Unlike synthetic fibers that have undergone chemical processing, natural fibers are superior in aesthetics and comfort. However, because they come from nature, their supply is inconsistent and it is difficult to control their production. Natural fibers are popular because they are generally environmentally friendly and durable and have a strong affinity for water and thus have high absorbency. Through chemical modification or processing, natural fibers can be developed for medical, health, sanitation, and industrial uses. This book discusses natural fibers and how they can be manipulated and modified for practical applications in a variety of industries.

Ce livre est un des tout premiers « si non le premier » exclusivement dédié au domaine des bétons de végétaux. Nous nous employons au fur et à mesure des chapitres de décrire l’intérêt de l’usage de tels matériaux, de décliner les nombreuses propriétés multiphysiques et enfin d’illustrer les modes de fabrication et de mise en œuvre. Le livre se focalise principalement sur l’exemple du béton de chanvre. Ce matériau est aujourd’hui très largement utilisé dans l’industrie de la maison individuelle. Le confort thermique, hygrothermique et acoustique est induit par la structure exceptionnelle du matériau dans le sens où elle associe porosité, légèreté et inertie. Le comportement mécanique n’est pas en reste, une grande ductilité et des propriétés loin des standards habituels sont précisées dans cet ouvrage. Par ailleurs, l’Analyse de cycle de vie dont la plus grande partie du volume est d’origine végétale fait ressortir un bilan qui lui est très favorable.

Fibre Structure is a 19-chapter text that emerged from lectures presented at the Manchester College of Science and Technology. The interest of fiber studies lies to some extent in the important part textile materials play in general living and in industrial products and operations. The first chapters deal with the chemistry of fiber-forming polymers, followed by considerable chapters on the controversial subject of the fine structure of fibers. The remaining chapters describe the special features of all the important fibers, including glass and asbestos. Textile scientists, researchers, and manufacturers will find this book invaluable.

Using plant material as raw materials for construction is a relatively recent and original topic of research. This book presents an overview of the current knowledge on the material properties and environmental impact of construction materials made from plant particles, which are renewable, recyclable and easily available. It focuses on particles and as well on fibers issued from hemp plant, as well as discussing hemp concretes. The book begins by setting the environmental, economic and social context of agro-concretes, before discussing the nature of plant-based aggregates and binders. The formulation, implementation and mechanical behavior of such building materials are the subject of the following chapters. The focus is then put upon the hygrothermal behavior and acoustical properties of hempcrete, followed by the use of plant-based concretes in structures. The book concludes with the study of life-cycle analysis (LCA) of the environmental characteristics of a banked hempcrete wall on a wooden skeleton. Contents 1. Environmental, Economic and Social Context of Agro-Concretes, Vincent Nozahic and Sofiane Amziane. 2. Characterization of Plant-Based Aggregates. Vincent Picandet. 3. Binders, Gilles Escadeillas, Camille Magniont, Sofiane Amziane and Vincent Nozahic. 4. Formulation and Implementation, Christophe Lanos, Florence Collet, Gérard Lenain and Yves Hustache. 5. Mechanical Behavior, Laurent Arnaud, Sofiane Amziane, Vincent Nozahic and Etienne Gourlay. 6. Hygrothermal Behavior of Hempcrete, Laurent Arnaud, Driss Samri and Étienne Gourlay. 7. Acoustical Properties of Hemp Concretes, Philippe Glé, Emmanuel Gourdon and Laurent Arnaud. 8. Plant-Based Concretes in Structures: Structural Aspect – Addition of a Wooden Support to Absorb the Strain, Philippe Munoz and Didier Pipet. 9. Examination of the Environmental Characteristics of a Banked Hempcrete Wall on a Wooden Skeleton, by Lifecycle Analysis: Feedback on the LCA Experiment from 2005, Marie-Pierre Boutin and Cyril Flamin. About the Authors Sofiane Amziane is Professor and head of the Civil Engineering department at POLYTECH Clermont-Ferrand in France. He is also in charge of the research program dealing with bio-based building materials at Blaise Pascal University (Institut Pascal, Clermont Ferrand, France). He is the secretary of the RILEM Technical Committee 236-BBM dealing with bio-based building materials and the author or co-author of over one hundred papers in scientific journals such as Cement and Concrete Research, Composite Structures or Construction Building Materials as well as international conferences. Laurent Arnaud is a Bridges, Waters and Forestry Engineer (Ingénieur des Ponts, Eaux et Forêts) and researcher at Joseph Fourier University in Grenoble, France. He is also Professor at ENTPE (Ecole Nationale des Travaux Publics de l’Etat). Trained in the field of mechanical engineering, his research has been directed toward the characterization and development of new materials for civil engineering and construction. He is head of the international committee at RILEM – BBM, as well as the author of more than one hundred publications, and holder of an international invention patent.

Updated and expanded translation of the German Lehmbau-Handbuch.

Earthen architecture constitutes one of the most diverse forms of cultural heritage and one of the most challenging to preserve. It dates from all periods and is found on all continents but is particularly prevalent in Africa, where it has been a building tradition for centuries. Sites range from ancestral cities in Mali to the palaces of Abomey in Benin, from monuments and mosques in Iran and Buddhist temples on the Silk Road to Spanish missions in California. This volume's sixty-four papers address such themes as earthen architecture in Mali, the conservation of living sites, local knowledge systems and intangible aspects, seismic and other natural forces, the conservation and management of archaeological sites, research advances, and training.