Acoustic absorption of hemp-lime construction

Hemp-lime concrete is a sustainable alternative to standard wall construction materials. It boasts excellent hygrothermal properties in part deriving from its porous structure. This paper investigates the acoustic properties of hemp-lime concrete, using binders developed from hydrated lime and pozzolans as well as hydraulic and cementicious binders. To assess the acoustic absorption of hemp-lime walls, as they are commonly finished in practical construction, wall sections are rendered and the resulting impact on absorption is evaluated. Hemp-concretes with lime-pozzolan binders display superior acoustic properties relative to more hydraulic binders. These are diminished when rendered, as the open surface porosity is affected, however hemp-lime construction offers the potential to meet standard and guideline targets for spaces requiring acoustic treatment.

Effect of adding mineral additives to alkali-activated natural pozzolan paste

Natural pozzolans are raw materials from geological deposits with a range of chemical compositions that when combined with suitable alkali activators can be converted to geopolymer cement for concrete production. In this paper the concept of adding mineral additives to enhance the properties of geopolymer cement is introduced. Taftan andesite, a natural Iranian pozzolan, was used to study the effect of adding mineral additives such as kaolinite, lime and other calcined pozzolans on the compressive strength of geopolymer cement under both normal and autoclave curing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) was used to determine the composition of the gel phase in both alkali-activated Taftan pozzolan with and without mineral additions. The work has shown that deficiencies in SiO2, Al2O3 and CaO content in the raw natural pozzolan can be compensated for by adding mineral additives for enhanced properties.