Hempcrete
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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 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. It is less dense than concrete and is marketed under names like Hemcrete, Canobiote, Canosmose, and Isochanvre.[2] However, the typical compressive strength is around 1MPa[3], over 20x lower than low grade concrete. Hempcrete's density is 15% as 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. The building material also is self-insulating; resistant to rotting, rodents and insects; and fire proof, waterproof and weather resistant.[5]
Pipes can be made out of hempcrete and they, too have greater flexibility and greater elasticity than other those made from conventional materials, 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]
[edit] References
- ^ National Non-Food Crops Centre. "Renewable Building Materials Factsheet", Retrieved on 2009-03-26
- ^ Read Natural Life magazine at www.naturallifemagazine.com/0604/hemphouse.htm
- ^ American Lime Technology. "Tradical® Hemcrete® 2008 Information Pack", Retrieved on 2009-08-25
- ^ Inhabitat >> Carbon Negative Hemp Walls are 7x Stronger than Concrete
- ^ a b Hemp Building Materials - Hempcrete hemp.org
