Exploring Hempcrete’s Potential: Mechanical Properties and Sustainable Building Practices

The field of sustainable construction materials is rapidly evolving, driven by the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions associated with the built environment. Traditional building materials like steel, cement, iron, and aluminium contribute significantly to these emissions, necessitating the exploration of low-carbon alternatives. One promising solution is the use of bio-based and crop-based materials, such as hempcrete. Hempcrete, a composite of industrial hemp hurd, lime, and water, is gaining recognition for its potential as a carbon-storing, lightweight construction material. Industrial hemp, which matures in less than four months, offers a versatile resource that can be utilized in various forms, including seeds, fiber, and hurd. While hemp hurd has traditionally been used for animal bedding, its application in hempcrete opens new market opportunities and contributes to carbon sequestration. Despite its current use primarily as an insulation material, there is a pressing need to enhance its physical and mechanical properties to expand its applicability in the construction industry.

This Research Topic aims to explore the potential of hempcrete as a sustainable construction material, focusing on its ability to serve not only as an insulation material but also as a load-bearing component. The primary objectives include quantifying and enhancing the physical and mechanical properties of hempcrete, investigating its integration into panelized construction, and evaluating its performance in various building components. Specific questions to be addressed include: How can the compressive strength of hempcrete be improved? What are the best practices for integrating hempcrete into prefabricated panels? How does hempcrete perform in terms of thermal resistance, fire resistance, and moisture management?

To gather further insights into the potential of hempcrete, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Enhancements in the physical and mechanical properties of hempcrete;
- Development of hempcrete for load-bearing applications;
- Integration of hempcrete into prefabricated panelized wall components;
- Use of hempcrete in floor slabs, architectural elements, and curved surfaces;
- Mechanical properties such as thermal resistance, fire resistance, and sound insulation;
- Sustainability aspects including energy efficiency, recyclability, and life cycle assessment;
- Case studies on the design and construction of buildings employing hempcrete;
- Cost analysis and performance evaluation of hempcrete buildings; and
- Innovations in hempcrete application methods and market analysis

By addressing these themes, we aim to advance the understanding and application of hempcrete in sustainable construction, contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions and promoting healthier, more efficient building practices.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Hempcrete, hemplime, sustainable, insulation, residential, home, building, construction

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.