Cyclic Testing of Reinforced Earthbag Walls

Earthen construction is the most popular building method around the world. One particular building method, using earthbags, has shown promise in performing well against seismic activity. This project undertook the goal of developing a preliminary seismic response modification factor, R, to be used in the design of homes in seismically active areas. Two 4’ wide x 6’ tall x 1’ deep walls were cyclically loaded using a Three-Degree-of-Freedom (TDOF) Test Frame provided by Santa Clara University to determine the in-plane shear capacity of each wall. Testing revealed an average yield force of 419 lbs, an average ultimate force 1058 lbs, and an average R value of 6. Wall design and construction was focused on three aspects of the project that were modeled to replicate common building practices while still being modular enough to test multiple samples. These aspects were the base, bond beam, and wall. Wall bases were designed to withstand up to 3500 lb-ft bending moment during forklift transport, the bond beam was designed to transfer up to 9,000 lbs of shear force into the wall, and, the wall was designed using common building practices used in earthbag construction. Upon completion of the Consortium of Universities for the Research of Earthquake Engineering (CUREE) testing protocol, it was observed that the walls failed in buckling due to compression resulting from the force couple created by the loading arrangement. Despite failure, the walls continued standing even after the pin connection was removed from the tops of wall. This unexpected resiliency and behavior of the walls during testing led the team to believe that earthbag walls are much more ductile a material that was initially anticipated. A deeper understanding is needed to better understand how earthbag buildings behave against seismic forces. This project is encouraging for future research and the development of a more standardized building method

Why Vote?

Does politics have anything to do with faith? Why should a Christian vote? How voting put in the proper perspective, and done with good intent, can be a God-glorifying, community-serving activity. Posting about voting from In All Things - an online hub committed to the claim that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has implications for the entire world. http://inallthings.org/why-vote

Donald Trump and the Prospect for American Democracy (Book Review)

Reviewed Title: Donald Trump and the Prospect for American Democracy: An Unprecedented President in an Age of Polarization by Arthur Paulson. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2018. 180 pp. ISBN 9781498561723

Only Christians Need Apply?

Should Christians only vote for Christians? Is it ever appropriate, or even beneficial, for us to vote for a candidate who is not a Christian? Posting about what to value in a political candidate from In All Things - an online hub committed to the claim that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has implications for the entire world. http://inallthings.org/only-christians-need-apply

Citizenship, Identity, and Populism

We can recognize that no party or ideology has a monopoly on truth, and that even our political opponents are right about some things. Posting about ­­­­­­­­our fallen earthly kingdom from In All Things - an online journal for critical reflection on faith, culture, art, and every ordinary-yet-graced square inch of God’s creation. http://inallthings.org/citizenship-identity-and-populism

Is the Letter to Iran Treason?

Most Republican members of the U.S. Senate have signed a public letter to the Iranian government warning that any agreement with President Obama that is not approved by the Senate is likely to be transitory and counterproductive for all concerned. Under the pretense of helpfully schooling the Iranians on the American constitutional system, the letter is really designed to embarrass President Obama and hinder negotiations between the U.S. and Iran over possible nuclear weapon proliferation. The letter has attracted a lot of attention. Is it unprecedented? Is it treasonous? Posting about U.S. foreign policy and integrity in politics from In All Things - an online hub committed to the claim that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has implications for the entire world. http://inallthings.org/is-the-letter-to-iran-treason

Why Vote?

Does politics have anything to do with faith? Why should a Christian vote? How voting put in the proper perspective, and done with good intent, can be a God-glorifying, community-serving activity. Posting about voting from In All Things - an online hub committed to the claim that the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ has implications for the entire world. http://inallthings.org/why-vote

Bob Dylan and Antithetical Engagement with Culture

This article was presented by Jeff Taylor at the Christian Evasion of Popular Culture Conference at Dordt College, November 2012