Cracking and damage study of flax and hemp concrete by acoustic emission

Abstract

Bio-based materials are undergoing strong development to reduce environmental impact. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge relating to their mechanical behavior, and more particularly, their cracking and damage. Therefore, the objective of this research project is to analyze the damage occurred in hemp and flax concrete using the acoustic emission method. The hemp and flax shives were used to manufacture concrete with prompt natural cement (CNP). Flax concrete shows a later and less important crack propagation than hemp concrete, which is noticeable by a lower number of events for flax concrete and is consistent with the force-displacement curves. These results are encouraging to study different types of bio-based
concrete (in aggregate and binders).