Hygro-thermal properties of raw earth building material

Ichrak HAMROUNI; Tariq Ouahbi; Said Taibi; Mehrez Jemai; Hatem Zenzri

doi:10.26168/ajce.40.1.20

Ichrak HAMROUNI Civil engineering
Tariq Ouahbi Université of Le Havre Normandie
Said Taibi Université of Le Havre Normandie
Mehrez Jemai National Engineering School of Tunis
Hatem Zenzri National Engineering School of Tunis

DOI: https://doi.org/10.26168/ajce.40.1.20

Keywords: Raw earth, thermal conductivity, hygroscopic, relative humidity, hygrothermal.

Abstract

Raw earth is the oldest building technique used for over 11 centuries thanks to its various benefits. The most known earth construction’s technics are compressed earth blocks, rammed earth, raw earth concrete and daub and it can be stabilized with bio-sourced binders, mixed by fibers or hyper-compacted in order to improve its mechanical behavior. Besides, as many researches have been shown, this ecological material is able to contribute to moisture and heat control in buildings. Its hygrothermal properties are better than fired earth bricks and concrete. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hygrothermal behavior of raw earth material which called “Cematerre”, using experimental tests such as the water vapor permeability and thermal conductivity and numerical simulations of thermal and hygroscopic transfers.