Finland’s Turku University of Applied Sciences has been given a 70-thousand euro grant to research how hemp – a variety of cannabis plant – could be used more in construction.
A hemp field in France (Barbetorte/Wikimedia Commons)
The goal is to see whether the energy efficient and eco-friendly hemp and lime-based hemp concrete could become an attractive alternative to builders, reports Yle.fi.
Researchers will investigate soundproofing and fireproof properties of the substance.
Hemp-based concrete is already marketed with names like Hempcrete and Canosmose, and is made up of a mixture of hemp fibres, lime and other materials. But current varieties of hemp-based concrete are not considered as strong as conventional concrete and are used with extra framing support.
Hemp is a relative of the cannabis plant known as marijuana, but contains a small fraction of THC, the psychoactive constituent found in marijuana.
Throughout history hemp has been used in the production of rope, fabrics, waxes, paper and other materials.
The research grant was arranged by the Regional Council of Southwest Finland, the European Regional Development Fund and the Finnish state.
Photograph: A hemp field in France (Barbetorte/Wikimedia Commons)
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Hemp fibre cement products e.g.factory pre-coated roof sheeting? or maybe to be diplomatic they call it vegetable fibre cement instead? All this to not repeat the asbestos cement outcry! The question could arise has the manufacturing industry not already done such research and made use of such fibre already under the name vegetable fibre?
Are you not considering its consumption on site as a source of energy? In my time on a Jamaican housing site it was normal for workers to take ganga because their food of rice and achee gave very little energy to burn off. I did not note a large accident rate on my site.