Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Coverage over structural elements
Casting hempcrete at less than 50mm coverage over tim-
bers causes weak spots.
A significant part of the strength of hempcrete derives from the interlocking nature of the
hemp aggregate and the binder's set, but hempcrete also relies on its mass and monolith-
ic structure for strength. It is a flexible material and will absorb the movements expected
within a timber frame, but sections that are too thin or too removed from the overall mass
constitute weak spots, which are susceptible to cracking. There is therefore a limit to how
thin hempcrete can be cast where it covers structural elements within the wall. For ex-
ample, if the covering of hempcrete over studs within the frame is too thin, cracks could
appear along the line of the studs.
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