Formulation And Thermal Potentials Of An Eco-Material For Civil Engeneering

Abstract

This paper aims to showcase aptitude of a local, eco material for providing thermal comfort in hot dry dimate through his thermal properties. After defining a suitable earth material, independently of the type of soils in presence but based on appropriate characteristics, samples were made of earth (48% grains of diameter $\lt 80\mu m$, 52% grains of diameter > $80\mu m$) mixed with 1 % Hibiscus Sahdarffii fibers and 30% water, compacted by vibration. Then they undenvent thermal characterization. The results reveal that its thermal inertia is the highest comparing to commonly used materials in new buildings, such as full dnderblock (B), agglomerated dnderblock: it is a better insulating material. Therefore, the material studied would provide better thermal comfort in hot and dry climate, thus reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions due to air conditioning and consequently electricity bills. In addition, the canvas formulation process could make it possible to standardize practices for making earthen materials.