Harvest and Retting Method Alter the Composition of Hemp Fiber for High Performance Concrete

Authors

• Abigail Lazier, Utah State UniversityFollow
• Jennifer Macadam, Utah State UniversityFollow
• Srishti Banerji, Utah State UniversityFollow
• Bruce Bugbee, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Poster

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Natural Fiber Summit 2026

Publisher

Utah State University

Publication Date

9-16-2026

Abstract

Recently, the use of natural fibers in place of polymer fibers in high performance concrete has been explored for improved mechanical properties (including reduced spalling) and greater sustainability. This project aims to recycle biomass waste produced by the medical cannabis industry by using it in concrete. We have designed and conducted multiple studies to determine efficient methods for fiber harvest and processing from our in-house medical cannabis waste. Harvest method, (including fresh harvest and defoliation or physically induced senescence), storage condition, ( 4 C or 25 C), and processing technique, (mechanical or biological) were trialed. Additionally, we used standard forage feed analysis to quantify how these methods affect the hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin contents of the fibers. These studies identified two effective harvest methodologies that differ by starting material, retting time, visual fiber quality, and fiber composition.

Comments

This poster was presented at the inaugural Natural Fiber Summit at Utah State University on September 16th, 2026.

Recommended Citation

Lazier, Abigail; Macadam, Jennifer; Banerji, Srishti; and Bugbee, Bruce, "Harvest and Retting Method Alter the Composition of Hemp Fiber for High Performance Concrete" (2026). Plants, Soils and Climate Student Research. Paper 27.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/psc_stures/27