Although biobased concrete has good thermal and acoustic insulation properties and a positive environmental impact, there are also a number of drawbacks to “bio concrete”. For example, it has a low mechanical strength, is sensitive to damp conditions and has the ability to deform. In this project, Vibers and Avans are looking for the most optimal composition of bio concrete based on elephant grass.
A well-known existing example of bio concrete is hemp concrete. Unfortunately, this is not suitable as a load-bearing construction and, moreover, not cheap. The industry is therefore looking for a cheaper alternative with good thermal and acoustic properties and the same construction properties as concrete.
Elephant grass
The company Vibers makes products based on the fast-growing elephant grass and is looking for new applications in the construction industry. Experiments with elephant grass in bio concrete have already been carried out, and it appears that the correct composition is of great importance to achieve certain required properties.
In the Viberscrete project, participants will investigate the optimal composition and mixing methods. With the results of this project, companies can increase their knowledge about the production and application of biobased concrete. An instruction for existing production installations for hemp concrete will also be delivered.
This project is a follow-up to Giuliana Scuderi’s post doc research : ‘Back to the Material of the future’.
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