Mechanical Properties of Pre-Compressed Hemp-Lime Concrete

Abstract

To answer different problems set by the 21st century, European Union is constantly updating the old and adapting new directives and regulations. One of these directives is 2010/31/EU as a piece of Energy package which sets forth a goal to reduce primary energy use by 20% and to achieve 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. It also sets a task for all buildings built after 2020 to be zero-energy buildings. To achieve these goals, next to existing building materials, a new, innovative, and more sustainable materials needs to be studied and implemented. One of these possible materials is lime-hemp concrete – a self-bearing thermal insulation material that consist of lime and hemp shives. Its mechanical properties seem promising, and thermal conductivity below 0,08 W/m*K is significant result for a material that sequesters more CO2 then is created in its life cycle. In the paper an effect of pre-compressed of hemp-lime mix before curing is studied. Two different binders were chosen (dolomitic lime and dolomitic lime with metakaolin) and three different compaction ratios – 50, 25 and 0 %. As expected, the compaction has a direct impact on compressive strength, as well as flexural. The elevated densities also have a negative effect on thermal conductivity, yet not as much if the same density would be achieved with addition of more binder. This method could help to produce lime-hemp concrete materials with better strength/thermal conductivity ratio. A further research of improved drying techniques is needed, as the samples had softer inner part, due to excess moisture during curing. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.sace.8.3.7451