Would love to know what your take is on "hempcrete" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hempcrete). It doesn't share the same compressive strength of common concrete, but in a dome structure, it might be suitable.
Hempcrete is an interesting alternative construction material. However, as you point out, it doesn't have nearly the compressive strength of concrete; in fact it only has 5% of concrete's compressive strength. As I discussed before on this blog, masonry is assumed to have infinite compressive strength, and hempcrete has a low compressive strength. It would not be structurally sound for a dome, unless it is used as "filling" in a structural dome frame made of other, stronger material. This is too bad, because it is green (environmentally sustainable) and we need greener materials to replace concrete. Thanks for bringing up hempcrete, and thanks for your interest.
Posts
Would love to know what your take is on "hempcrete" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hempcrete). It doesn't share the same compressive strength of common concrete, but in a dome structure, it might be suitable.
ReplyDeleteHempcrete is an interesting alternative construction material. However, as you point out, it doesn't have nearly the compressive strength of concrete; in fact it only has 5% of concrete's compressive strength. As I discussed before on this blog, masonry is assumed to have infinite compressive strength, and hempcrete has a low compressive strength. It would not be structurally sound for a dome, unless it is used as "filling" in a structural dome frame made of other, stronger material. This is too bad, because it is green (environmentally sustainable) and we need greener materials to replace concrete. Thanks for bringing up hempcrete, and thanks for your interest.
DeleteHave you already constructed a spherical structure with these blocks?
ReplyDeleteYes Syed, I've built several large concrete block domes, kilns and furnaces, and water storage tanks as complete spheres.
ReplyDeleteI want to make a mold to form concrete building blocks to make 12-15 foot dia. dome. Any help? See my website cementblock guy.com
ReplyDeleteMike
Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your
ReplyDeleteblog posts.
mason beverly ma
Hi there! glad to drop by your page and found these very interesting and informative stuff. Thanks for sharing, keep it up!
ReplyDeletemason beverly ma