Abstract

Gypsum plasterboard is commonly used for dry lining building solutions but causes approximately 3.5% of the UK’s green house gas emissions. Production of the plasterboard accounts for 67% of its life cycle global warming potential. Therefore, there is a significant scope for a board with a lower production life-cycle impact. There has been an increase in research that demonstrates the potential of plasters with bio-aggregates to enhance indoor environmental quality, that could be utilised within a prefabricated board. Solutions that contain bio-aggregates within the core will help to further reduce the life-cycle impacts of the material but also improve the health and wellbeing of building occupants.
This paper presents the development of an alternative plasterboard composed of hemp shiv which is bound by lime. The results of the were experimentally investigated and compared to conventional gypsum plasterboard. A range of mechanical and hygrothermal properties were investigated to establish the potential of a bio-based plasterboard. Standard test methods developed for gypsum plasterboard were used to establish the mechanical and hygrothermal properties, including; thermal conductivity, vapour permeability and moisture buffering performance.

The alternative plasterboard had up to five times better moisture buffering properties compared to a gypsum plasterboard and a significantly lower thermal conductivity. While significant improvement of the hygrothermal properties have been observed, there has been a reduction in the mechanical performance of the alternative boards. However, rationale is presented indicating that the alternative plasterboards developed could be adopted in a comparable manner to conventional plasterboards, resulting in an improved indoor environmental quality with a reduced environmental impact.
Original languageEnglish
Pages93 - 99
Number of pages7
Publication statusPublished - 9 Dec 2017
Event8th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management 2017 - Kandy, Sri Lanka
Duration: 7 Dec 201710 Dec 2017
http://www.icsecm.org/2017/

Conference

Conference8th International Conference on Structural Engineering and Construction Management 2017
Abbreviated title ICSECM 2017
Country/TerritorySri Lanka
CityKandy
Period7/12/1710/12/17
Internet address

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