Mechanical Properties, Thermal Conductivity and Microstructure of Hemp Concretes
Keywords:
Hemp Concrete, Mechanical Properties, MicrostructureAbstract
This paper reports mechanical properties, thermal conductivity and microstructure of hemp concretes as well as the results on the potential of using hemp shiv as coarse aggregate in concrete. Hemp shiv was mineralized with aluminium sulfate and calcium hydroxide prior to being used as coarse aggregate to produce hemp concretes. The ratio of hemp was varied at 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6%, 2.0% and 2.4% of the weight of cement, while the cement to sand ratio was fixed at 1:2. The ratio of Al2(SO4)3 to Ca(OH)2 was 1:2 and the amount of superplasticizer was fixed at 1% by weight of cement. The results illustrated that compressive strength and flexural strength of the sample with the lowest ratio of hemp (0.8%) were higher than those of the sample with the highest ratio of hemp. Thermal conductivity of concrete with the highest ratio of hemp (2.4%) was lower than that of the sample with the lowest ratio of hemp. Sample at the highest ratio of hemp exhibited higher porosity and more extensive pore distributions, resulting in a lower compressive strength. The results on microstructure and those on compressive strength corresponded with each other.
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