N.M. Admin. Code § 14.7.5.9

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 21, November 5, 2024

Section 14.7.5.9 - BALED STRAW SPECIFICATIONS

A. Content: Bales of straw, limited to wheat, rye, oats, rice or barley, shall be acceptable if they meet the minimum requirements for shape, density, moisture content, and ties.

B. Shape: Bales shall be rectangular in shape and consistent in height and width to ensure even distribution of loads.

C. Ties: Bales shall be mechanically bound with baling wire or poly-propylene string. Bales shall have a minimum of two strings running parallel to the longest edge. Bales with broken or loose ties shall not be used unless the broken or loose ties are replaced with ties which restore the original degree of compaction of the bale.

D. Moisture content: Bales must be sufficiently dry with a maximum moisture content of twenty percent (20) at the time of installation. Moisture content of bales shall be determined by one of the following.

(1) Field method: a suitable moisture meter, designed for use with baled straw, and equipped with a probe of sufficient length to reach the center of the bale, shall be used to determine the average moisture content of five bales randomly selected from the bales to be used.

(2) Laboratory method: a total of five samples, taken from the center of each of five bales randomly selected from the bales to be used, shall be tested for moisture content by a recognized testing lab.

E. Compression: All bales shall be field tested for compression before placement in walls. Bales shall be of sufficient compression to remain intact when lifted by one baling wire or poly-propylene twine and transporting it manually a minimum of 25 feet while suspended by one wire or twine.

N.M. Admin. Code § 14.7.5.9

14.7.5.9 NMAC - Rp, 14.7.5.9 NMAC, 1-1-08