Rebar is used to constructing the skeletal framework in buildings as it provides the tensile strength that concrete lacks. Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a private research university in Troy, New York say they have developed hemp‐based rebar reinforcing technology for cement construction, reported hemptoday.net.
The building and construction industries have embraced the environmental benefits of hemp fiber. However, there are technical hurdles that need to be overcome, including the lack of effective stalk processing methods and equipment that does not damage the fiber, lack of material property data, lack of manufacturing methods, and, crucially, lack of higher value end-products for the construction industry.
