Assessment of moisture and mould of hempcrete and straw panels

Abstract

Abstract At present buildings contribute a third of total greenhouse gas emissions. There is a need for sustainable solutions and natural materials, which offer low-embodied energy and their low impact has a promising potential as construction alternatives. Hempcrete is a lightweight insulation material, which provides natural, airtight, and vapor-permeable insulation. Straw panels are also natural construction materials and they consist of extruded wheat straw and are surrounded with recycled paper on all sides. There are some risks, which can be associated with the use of such materials - infestation, biological degradation, presence of moisture, and structural degradation. The aim of the study is to determine the critical moisture level and mould resistance of hempcrete and straw panels. The results of this study are valuable to both scientists and structural engineers.