Difference between revisions of "Hempcrete"

Latest revision as of 10:20, 20 September 2010

Hempcrete is a mixture of hemp hurds and lime (possibly including sand, pozzolans or cement) used as a material for construction and insulation.^[1] It is marketed under names like Hemcrete, Canobiote, Canosmose, and Isochanvre.^[2] Hempcrete is easier to work than traditional lime mixes and acts as an insulator and moisture regulator. It lacks the brittleness of cement and consequently does not need expansion joints.^[2]

However, the typical compressive strength is around 1 MPa^[3], over 20× lower than low grade concrete. This means that Hempcrete walls should be used together with a frame of another material that supports the vertical load in building construction. Hempcrete's density is 15% of traditional concrete, as well as carbon negative.^[4] The strength and flexibility means that hemp foundations are resistant to stress-induced cracking and breaking, even in earthquake-prone areas^{[dubious – discuss]}. The building material also is self-insulating; resistant to rotting, rodents and insects; and fireproof, waterproof and weather resistant.^[5]

Hempcrete can also absorb CO₂ gas. 165kg of CO₂ can be theoretically absorbed and locked up by 1m³ of hempcrete wall over many decades.^[6]

Pipes can be made out of hempcrete, and they too have greater flexibility and greater elasticity than those made from conventional materials^{[citation needed]}, and they are resistant to cracking. Stones can also be made out of hemp by wetting the stalk's cellulose, and forming it into a hard black rock, which can be cut, drilled, cast, carved or formed into any shape.^[5]

References

External links

• Hemcrete application data from Limetechnology
• Hemp as a building material
• The Renewable House with Hemcrete wallsru:Костробетон