Hygrothermal performance of hemperete for Ontario (Canada) buildings

Hemperete is a bio-aggregate based composite material used for building envelopes which typically consists of hemp shiv (hurd), lime binder and water. Hemperete has several distinct advantages including low thermal conductivity, effective moisture buffering, and high sound absorption, while having a high carbon sequestration index. This work investigates the impact of mix proportions on hemperete properties and the hygrothermal performance of two proposed hemperete wall assemblies for Ontario, Canada. The experimental results highlight the significant influence of the binder on the density and thermal conductivity of the final material. Thermal conductivity measurements ranged from 0.074 to 0.103 W/mK. Finally, hygrothermal analysis demonstrated that when using hemperete in the Canadian climate a rain screen wall system is more suitable than a mass wall. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.