ASSESSING THE PERFORMANCE OF HEMP CONCRETE IN WET-DRY CONDITIONS AND THERMAL PROTECTION EFFICIENCY

Abstract

This article presented the experimental results of hemp concrete enhanced with Al2(SO4)3 and polymers, focusing on compressive strength, durability under wet-dry cycles, and thermal insulation performance. The samples were tested according to TIS 109-2517 and evaluated against TIS 58-2560 standards. After 28 days of curing, the hemp concrete exhibited a compressive strength of 4.31 MPa, a dry density of 1,008 kg/m3, and a water absorption of 329 kg/m3. After 12 wet-dry cycles, compressive strength declined slightly to 4.27 MPa, dry density reduced to 934 kg/m3, and water absorption increased to 463 kg/m3. Despite these changes, the compressive strength remained above the minimum requirement of 4.14 MPa specified by TIS 58-2560. In evaluating the effectiveness of external heat protection, the hemp concrete sample showed a thermal conductivity of 0.14 w/m°C and a specific heat capacity of 1.02 kJ/kg°C. The maximum OTTV was 30.07 w/m2 when the wall faced southeast. The heat transfer test results through the walls of the box-shaped building model aligned with the OTTV findings, suggesting that hemp concrete transfers less heat than lightweight concrete. The findings suggest that hemp concrete enhanced with Al2(SO4)3 and polymers meets TIS 58-2560 standards for strength and durability while providing better thermal protection compared to lightweight concrete, making it an effective energy-saving building material.