Characterization of a precast hemp concrete. Part I: Physical and thermal properties

Abstract

Hemp concrete is seen as a possible solution for addressing the energy, health and comfort issues of sustainable buildings, thanks to its hygrothermal properties and environmental qualities. This paper aims to determine the physical and thermal properties of an industrial prefabricated hemp concrete block based on hemp shiv and a lime-metakaolin binder. When available, distinct measurement methods were applied and confronted on this precast material in order to evaluate the impact of the experimental procedure on the results. Concerning air permeability, the present study shows that a measurement method initially intended for regular concrete can be adapted to the specific behaviour of highly permeable material such as hemp concrete. The thermal conductivity was measured with a guarded hot plate and a hot wire. Hot wire measurements on different moist states of the material allowed the self-consistent scheme to be applied for the evaluation of the thermal conductivity as a function of the humidity. Two direct measurement methods, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on the components and use of a Calvet calorimeter on the hemp concrete, and one indirect method, through effusivity measurement, were adopted for evaluating the specific heat capacity of the material. The original method proposed using DSC was shown to be as accurate as direct calorimetric measurement. The direct measurement methods gave similar results while the indirect one led to a much lower value. A comprehensive analysis of the measurement values available in the literature on hemp concretes confirmed this trend.This first paper highlights the significant influence of the testing method on the determination of the thermal properties of a precast hemp concrete, especially on the heat capacity measurement. This result emphasizes the need for a large inter-laboratory experimental campaign, applied to bio-aggregate based concrete, in order to form the basis of recommendations for adequate physical and thermal characterization methods for these bio-based building materials. A second part of this study will investigate the hydric properties of the same material.