Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete Using Hemp Shives as a Partial Replacement of Coarse Aggregates

The usage of traditional coarse aggregate in concrete production has been associated with several environmental issues like carbon dioxide emissions, waste disposal problems, and natural resources depletion. This has sparked a growing fascination with developing sustainable alternatives to traditional coarse aggregate. Hemp shives, which are leftovers from hemp plants, have been suggested as a potential substitute for coarse aggregate in concrete. Present investigation aims to research the mechanical and durability properties of concrete produced with hemp shives as coarse aggregate. In the present study, the experimental investigation is done in hemp concrete of M25 grade. Hemp shives are utilized to partially replace coarse aggregates by 5, 10, and 15% respectively. The influence of hemp shives on mechanical (split tensile strength, compressive strength test, and flexural strength) concrete's characteristics were noticed and the durability (Water penetration depth, Sorptivity) was also examined. Hemp Shives mineralized with aluminium sulphate and calcium hydroxide before using it as coarse aggregate in concrete mixture. The Aluminium sulphate: Calcium hydroxide ratio is 1:2 and cement is replaced by 10% using Fly Ash. The Compressive Strength specimens had been investigated for 7 days and 28 days while split tensile, flexural strength, water penetration, sorptivity were investigated at 28 days. It is found that the compressive, split tensile, and flexural strength was gradually decreased with increasing Hemp Shives percentages by coarse aggregate replacement. However, strength and durability tests for 5% replacement of coarse aggregate with Hemp Shives give a comparable result. The use of hemp shives in concrete production can significantly reduce the environmental impact of concrete production and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional coarse aggregate.