Industrial hemp
“Zukunft Bau”: Research funding for industrial hemp as a sustainable alternative in the construction industry
Several funded research projects are currently investigating the use of natural fibers such as hemp and flax as well as bio-based materials as sustainable alternatives in the construction industry:
- TU Dortmund University is researching the long-term behavior and shear load-bearing capacity of textile reinforcements made of natural fibers for concrete components from 2024-2027. The aim is to develop a durability factor and a model for shear load-bearing capacity. (current)
- From 2024-2026, the TH Köln is developing load-bearing masonry blocks made of hemp lime, which should achieve sufficient strength through selective compaction.
- The TU Bergakademie Freiberg is working from 2023-2026 on a correlation model for the production of insulating mats made of hemp and reed.
- The Bundeswehr University Munich is investigating hemp bast fibers as a reinforcement material in low-clinker concretes from 2023-2025.
- From 2023-2025, Fraunhofer IKTS is developing bio-based hemp limestone using microorganisms to bind CO2.
All projects aim to develop sustainable and CO2-reducing building materials based on renewable raw materials. The focus is on the mechanical and physical building properties as well as the long-term behavior and eco-balance of the materials.
