ENHANCING THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF HEMP FIBER REINFORCED CEMENT AND EVALUATING THERMAL PROTECTION PERFORMANCE

This research aimed to enhance the properties of hemp concrete to comply with the non-load bearing block according to the standard criteria TIS 58-2533. Samples of hemp concrete blocks measuring 7.5×7.5×10 cm were produced with varying compositions of hemp ranging from 0-14.29% by weight of dry aggregate. Properties of hemp concrete were improved using Al2(SO4)3, plasticizers, natural rubber, and polymers. Testing included compressive strength, dry density, water absorption, and calculation of the OTTV compared to standards set by the Ministry of Energy. Hemp concrete without property enhancement additives consistently exhibited lower compressive strength than 2.5 MPa. Enhancing hemp concrete with 20% Al2(SO4)3 by weight of hemp, combined with polymer, yielded the highest compressive strength compared to other methods. Hemp concrete with 9.09% and 14.29% hemp by weight of dry aggregate, enhanced with 20% Al2(SO4)3 by weight of hemp and 50% polymer by weight of water used for mixing mortar, exhibited compressive strengths of 3.41 MPa and 2.62 MPa, respectively. Water absorption were 377 kg/m³ and 407 kg/m³, and dry densities were 0.98 g/cm³ and 0.90 g/cm³, respectively. Both samples achieved OTTV less than 50 w/m². From this research, the production process of hemp concrete with 9.09% and 14.29% hemp by weight of dry aggregate was enhanced with 20% Al2(SO4)3 by weight of hemp, and polymer was combined by 50% by weight of water used for mixing mortar. This resulted in a material with compressive strengths comparable to non-load bearing block and suitable for energy-efficient construction, particularly in office buildings.