Durability Evaluation of Hemp Fibers and Recycled Aggregates Concrete

Abstract

Hemp and Recycled Aggregates Concrete (HRAC) is a sustainable concrete where coarse aggregates are partially replaced with industrial hemp fibers and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). This replacement has two main benefits: it saves on natural resources and it recycles and reuses waste material. Previous studies showed that the mechanical performance of HRAC is satisfactory. On the other hand, concrete’s durability is also an important criterion to evaluate concrete’s performance and HRAC’s durability can be affected by the presence of both RCA and hemp fibers in the concrete’s alkaline environment. This paper aims at investigating the durability of HRAC concrete mixes by comparing the mechanical performance of HRAC specimens at the ages of 2 and 28 days. Furthermore, the performance of HRAC under freeze/thaw cycles is evaluated and compared to that of regular concrete. Results showed that the mechanical performance of HRAC improves at older age and the resistance of HRAC mixes to freeze-thaw cycles is similar to that of control mixes.

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