Moisture fixation and thermal properties of lime–hemp concrete

Abstract

Lime–hemp concrete (LHC) is a sustainable building material that combines hemp shiv and building limes. Moisture fixation and thermal properties of LHC were determined so as to gain knowledge about the material’s behaviour in a cold, wet climate. Sorption isotherms were produced over the whole moisture range for two LHC mixes by means of glass jar tests and a pressure plate apparatus. Thermal properties were determined for the mixes at different relative humidities using a transient plane source method. The results showed relatively low thermal conductivity and a steep sorption isotherm in the interval between 95% and 100% RH.