Mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of lime–hemp concrete

Abstract

The mechanical and thermal properties of lime-hemp concrete (hempcrete) were analysed in the paper. For the testing of hempcrete, three compositions of mixtures were prepared using binders and filler (hemp shives) ratio 2.2: 1. Quicklime was used as the main binder. Part of the mixtures were produced using a mixture of binders in which 10% of lime has been replaced by cement or organic sapropel. The research results have shown 459 ... 497 kg / m3 density of hempcrete. Hempcrete made with a mixture 10% cement has a higher density, with 10% sapropel - a lower density. The compressive strength testing results shows that organic sapropel-containing hempcrete is weaker than made with mineral binders. The results of the thermal conductivity research shows that the hempcrete with the mineral binders has the highest thermal conductivity, with sapropel - a lower thermal conductivity.