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Appendix BL — HEMP-LIME (HEMPCRETE) CONSTRUCTION

Section BL107 — MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE

2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-27 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

BL107.1 Hemp-lime infill integrity.

The integrity of hemp-lime infill and its ability to hold a plaster finish shall be demonstrated with a minimum compressive strength of 29 psi (0.2 MPa). Test results from a specific hemp-lime mix shall be permit-ted to be used for multiple projects.

BL107.1.1 Demonstration of compressive strength. The compressive strength of the hemp-lime mix shall be demonstrated to the building official before the placement of hemp-lime infill, with compressive strength tests and an associated report by an approved laboratory tested as follows:

  1. Three samples of the proposed hemp-lime mix shall be placed moist to completely fill a 6-inch by 6-inch by 12-inch (152 mm × 152 mm × 305 mm) form, a 6-inch (152mm) diameter by 12-inch (305 mm) length form, or other approved form, following the application method and procedure that will be used during construction.
  2. Samples shall be removed from the forms within 24 hours after hemp-lime placement or per the binder manufacturer’s specifications.
  3. Samples shall be cured/dried for a minimum of 14 days in indoor ambient conditions before testing.
  4. The opposite faces shall be capped with plaster of paris to achieve smooth and parallel faces, after which the sample shall reach ambient moisture conditions before testing.
  5. The horizontal cross section of the dried sample as tested and the maximum applied load at failure shall be used to calculate the sample’s compressive strength.
  6. The average value of the samples shall be used to determine the mix’s compressive strength.

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▸ Contents — 2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5)
2025 California Residential Code (Title 24, Part 2.5)
  1. Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — BUILDING PLANNING
  4. Chapter 4 — FOUNDATIONS
  5. Chapter 5 — FLOORS
  6. Chapter 6 — WALL CONSTRUCTION
  7. Chapter 7 — WALL COVERING
  8. Chapter 8 — ROOF-CEILING CONSTRUCTION
  9. Chapter 9 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES
  10. Chapter 10 — CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES
  11. Chapter 44 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  12. Appendix AA — BOARD OF APPEALS
  13. Appendix AB — PERMIT FEES
  14. Appendix AC — RESERVED
  15. Appendix BA — RESERVED
  16. Appendix BB — TINY HOUSES
  17. Appendix BC — RESERVED
  18. Appendix BD — RESERVED
  19. Appendix BE — RADON CONTROL METHODS
  20. Appendix BF — PATIO COVERS
  21. Appendix BG — SOUND TRANSMISSION
  22. Appendix BH — AUTOMATIC VEHICULAR GATES
  23. Appendix BI — LIGHT STRAW-CLAY CONSTRUCTION
  24. Appendix BJ — STRAWBALE CONSTRUCTION
  25. Appendix BK — COB CONSTRUCTION (MONOLITHIC ADOBE)
  26. ▸ Appendix BL — HEMP-LIME (HEMPCRETE) CONSTRUCTION
    Overview
    1. Section BL101 — GENERAL
    2. Section BL102 — DEFINITIONS
    3. Section BL103 — HEMP-LIME CONSTRUCTION
    4. Section BL104 — FINISHES
    5. Section BL105 — FIRE RESISTANCE
    6. Section BL106 — THERMAL PERFORMANCE
    7. Section BL107 — MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE
    8. Section BL108 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  27. Appendix BM — 3D-PRINTED BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
  28. Appendix BN — EXTENDED PLATE WALL CONSTRUCTION
  29. Appendix BO — EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
  30. Appendix CA — RESERVED
  31. Appendix CB — RESERVED
  32. Appendix CC — RESERVED
  33. Appendix CD — RESERVED
  34. Appendix CE — RESERVED
  35. Appendix CF — RESERVED
  36. Appendix CG — NONSEWERED SANITATION SYSTEMS
  37. Appendix CH — PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL
  38. Appendix CI — SWIMMING POOL SAFETY ACT
  39. Appendix CJ — EMERGENCY HOUSING
  40. Appendix CK — AREAS PROTECTED BY THE FACILITIES OF THE CENTRAL…

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