REVIEW ARTICLE
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hempcrete

Environment-friendly materials attract attention whilst the construction sector causes excessive global energy consumption and emission of greenhouse gas. Renewable plant-based biomaterials, which have a low environmental impact, are very beneficial in order to prevent environmental pollution and to preserve natural resources. Hempcrete provides environment-friendly construction materials as well as thermal and hygroscopic properties.

This paper presents a review of hempcrete research about understanding the environmental effects and construction methods of hempcrete; moreover, the benefits and innovations it has provided throughout its life cycle, have been investigated.

For this purpose, experimental studies of hempcrete were compared to each other in all aspects in order to determine density, thermal conductivity, vapor permeability, hygrometric behavior, durability, acoustic absorption, mechanical properties and life cycle analysis. Moreover, binder characteristics, hemp shiv proportions, water content, curing conditions and results have been focused on to explain the benefits of hempcrete.

The results obtained show that hempcrete has high porosity and vapor permeability, medium-low density, low thermal conductivity, Young’s modulus and compressive strength.

Based upon the findings of the studies reviewed, hempcrete is an advantageous material in buildings with its extraordinary thermal and hygrometric behaviour. Hemp is also an eco-friendly and economical plant-based raw material for the construction industry.