MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Hempcrete Blocks/Panels (150mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm)

Cementitious Composite
composite › Natural Fibre Composite › Cementitious Composite
compositenatural fibre compositehempcretecarbon-negativebio-basedsustainablefire-resistantinsulationthermal-massmoisture-buffering
ATLAS CODE
COM-NFC-CC-001
Hempcrete Blocks/Panels (150mm, 200mm, 250mm, 300mm)
Category composite
Material Family Natural Fibre Composite
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
16?22 lb/ft? (?256?352 kg/m?); literature reports ~300?350 kg/m? kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
-16 to -135 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
50-100+ yrs
Description

Hempcrete blocks are non-structural bio-composite masonry units made from hemp hurd and lime-based binders. Literature reports hempcrete densities around 300?350 kg/m?, with compressive strength typically 0.11?0.47 MPa depending on mix design. Practitioner guidance notes wall mixes around 16?22 lb/ft? (?256?352 kg/m?). These values confirm hempcrete?s role as an insulating infill rather than a load-bearing material.

Primary Sectors
[Residential]
Typical Uses
  • Non-structural wall infill systems
  • Thermal insulation for walls
  • Acoustic insulation panels
  • Retrofit insulation over existing frames
  • Fire-resistant wall assemblies
  • Passive house construction
  • Heritage building restoration
  • Bushfire-prone area construction
Recycled Content 0
Renewable Content 84
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon -16 to -135 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 30-50 MJ/kg
EPD Available No
Advantages
Carbon negative material (sequesters CO2)Excellent thermal insulation and mass combinationSuperior moisture buffering capacityFire resistant (BAL-FZ rated with render)Non-toxic with zero VOC emissionsPest and mould resistantLightweight (reduces foundation requirements)100% recyclable and biodegradableSelf-healing micro-cracks through carbonationGood acoustic absorption
Cautions
Low structural strength (requires load-bearing frame)Longer drying time (4-6 weeks before rendering)Limited Australian manufacturersHigher initial cost than conventional masonryRequires specialist installation knowledgeSusceptible to water damage during constructionNot suitable for below-grade applicationsAlkaline nature can corrode unprotected steel
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES COM-NFC-CC-001
Density (Dry) 16?22 lb/ft? (?256?352 kg/m?); literature reports ~300?350 kg/m? kg/m³
Specific Gravity 0.25-0.40
Porosity 71-84 %
Water Absorption 300-400 %
Hardness Soft
Surface Roughness 5-10 μm
UV Resistance Good
Chemical Resistance Alkaline resistant
pH Tolerance 11-13
Compressive Strength 0.11?0.47 MPa (reported range in hempcrete studies) MPa
Tensile Strength 0.01-0.035 MPa
Flexural Strength 0.05-0.10 MPa
Shear Strength 0.05-0.15 MPa
Elastic Modulus 20-25 GPa
Yield Strength Not applicable MPa
Impact Resistance Low J/m
Bearing Capacity Non-structural kN/m²
Poisson's Ratio 0.15-0.20
Creep Resistance Moderate
Abrasion Resistance Low
Thermal Conductivity 0.06-0.10 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 2.0-3.0 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 1250-1557 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 0.0001 μm/m·K
Melting Point Not applicable °C
Ignition Temperature >300 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 45-50
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.40-0.50
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 60-70 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 70-80

Hemp-lime construction originated in France in the 1980s, with modern hempcrete developed in the 1990s. First used in Australia in 2003, with commercial production beginning around 2010. The Australian Hemp Masonry Company pioneered local development, achieving CodeMark certification for Tradical products. Current Australian projects demonstrate viability across all climate zones from tropical Queensland to temperate Tasmania.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION COM-NFC-CC-001
Flame Spread Index <25
Smoke Developed Index <50
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Ignition Temperature >300 °C
Fire Resistance Rating 60 hours
Heat Release Rate Very low kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion Non-toxic
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) -16 to -135 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 30-50 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 200-400 L/kg
EPD Available No
Recycled Content 0%
Renewable Content 84%
LEED Points 3-5
Circular Economy Score 9/10 /100
VOC Emissions 0 g/L
Skill Level Intermediate
Crew Size 2-3
Installation Time 35 hr/m²
Curing Time 28-42 hours
Setting Time 24 min
Temperature Range 5-35 °C
Humidity Range 30-80 %
Required Tools
Hand saw or reciprocating sawSpirit levelString lineTrowelMixer for mortarSafety equipment (dust masks, gloves)
Certifications Required
Tradical certification recommendedStandard construction insurance
Weather Limitations
Protect from rain during installationAvoid freezing conditions
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY COM-NFC-CC-001
Material Cost $109-330
Installation Cost $65-265
Annual Maintenance $0-5
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $400-600
Market Availability Limited
Lead Time 2-6 weeks
Design Life 50-100+ years
Warranty Period 10-25 years
Maintenance Interval 10-15 months
Service Temp Range -20 to 60 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Moderate
Dimensional Stability Good
Certifications Held
CodeMark AustraliaCSIRO tested materialsCarbon negative verifiedGBCA recognisedZero VOCNon-toxic certifiedNo formaldehyde
Fire Code Compliance
AS1530.4 testedAS3959:2018 BAL-FZ compliantDeemed non-combustible with render
Standards Compliance
NCC/BCA compliant as non-structural infillCodeMark certified (Tradical products)Deemed to Satisfy with AS1684 framingASTM C209ASTM E514ISO 14040 (LCA)ISO 11654 (Acoustics)EN 15804 (EPD)EN ISO 11654 (Sound absorption)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: COM-NFC-CC-001 Schema: v3.0
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