(A) Bales in load-bearing walls shall be laid flat and stacked in running bond where possible, with each bale overlapping the two bales beneath it. Bales in non-load-bearing walls may be laid either flat or on-edge and stacked in running bond where possible. For non-load-bearing walls, bales may be laid either flat or on-edge. Bales in load-bearing walls shall be laid flat and stacked in a running bond, where possible, with each bale overlapping the two bales beneath it. Overlaps shall be a minimum of 12 inches. Gaps between the ends of bales which are less than six inches in width can be filled by an untied flake inserted snugly into the gap.
(B) The first course of bales shall be laid by impaling the bales on the vertical bars or threaded rods, if any, extending from the foundation. When the fourth course has been laid, #4 rebar pins, or an acceptable equivalent, long enough to extend through all four courses, shall be driven down through the bales, two in each bale, located so that they do not pass within six inches of, or through the space between the ends of any two bales. The layout of these pins shall approximate the layout of the vertical bars extending from the foundation. As each subsequent course is laid, two such pins, long enough to extend through the course being laid and the three courses immediately below it, shall be driven down through each bale. This pinning method shall be continued to the top of the wall in walls seven or eight courses high, pinning at the fifth course may be eliminated.
(C) Only full-length bales shall be used at corners of load-bearing walls, unless exceptions are designed by an engineer or architect licensed by the state to practice as such, and approved by the building official.
(D) Vertical #4 rebar pins, or an acceptable alternative, shall be located within one foot of all corners or door openings.
(E) Staples, made of #3 or larger rebar formed into a shape, at least 18 inches long with two six-inch legs, shall be used at all corners of every course, driven with one leg into the top of each abutting corner bale. In lieu of staples, corner bales may be tied together by a method approved by the building official.
(Res. 96-17, passed 12-12-1996)