New Building Envelope Materials for Energy Saving and Sustainability.
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| Title: | New Building Envelope Materials for Energy Saving and Sustainability. |
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| Authors: | Cherif, Amel Soukaina1,2 (AUTHOR) amelsoukeina.cherif@enau.ucar.tn, Skander-Mustapha, Sondes1,3 (AUTHOR), Slama-Belkhodja, Ilhem3 (AUTHOR), Binwal, Shikha (AUTHOR) sbinwal@wiley.com |
| Source: | Journal of Engineering (2314-4912). 6/27/2026, Vol. 2026, p1-19. 19p. |
| Subjects: | Limestone, Construction materials, Building envelopes, Energy management, Sustainability, Energy consumption, Building performance, Wetting |
| Geographic Terms: | Southern Europe |
| Abstract: | The hygrothermal performance of building envelopes critically influences indoor comfort and energy demand, especially in warm climates where air conditioning represents a major energy use. This study evaluates a composite earth‐based brick incorporating crushed limestone aggregates, lightly stabilized with 8% cement and optimized for Mediterranean contexts. Laboratory and in situ tests demonstrate that limestone substitution improves compressive strength and water resistance, with optimal performance near 38% substitution. Though thermal resistance slightly decreases with substitution, overall hygrothermal behavior remains favorable. Water sorption–desorption isotherms and moisture buffer capacity (MBC) were examined under controlled conditions, with MBC expressed volumetrically (kilograms per cubic meter) rather than the standardized moisture buffer value. Sorption–desorption tests revealed that increasing limestone content reduces moisture buffering but remains within acceptable ranges. A peak MBC was observed at 10% limestone substitution, linked to microstructural rearrangement, enhancing porosity and moisture dynamics. Higher limestone content diminished MBC due to decreased microporosity and surface area, despite increased total porosity. Dynamic energy simulations, validated by experiments, indicate indoor temperatures can be reduced by up to 4°C during peak summer, with annual energy savings of 68 kWh/m2. An integrated environmental and economic assessment estimates a CO2 reduction of 9.9 kg/year and a simple payback period of 14.7 years based on electricity prices in Tunisia. While benefits per unit are moderate, their cumulative impact at the building scale is notable. This work bridges material science, hygrothermal performance, and sustainable evaluation, supporting further life cycle analysis to guide eco‐efficient construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | The hygrothermal performance of building envelopes critically influences indoor comfort and energy demand, especially in warm climates where air conditioning represents a major energy use. This study evaluates a composite earth‐based brick incorporating crushed limestone aggregates, lightly stabilized with 8% cement and optimized for Mediterranean contexts. Laboratory and in situ tests demonstrate that limestone substitution improves compressive strength and water resistance, with optimal performance near 38% substitution. Though thermal resistance slightly decreases with substitution, overall hygrothermal behavior remains favorable. Water sorption–desorption isotherms and moisture buffer capacity (MBC) were examined under controlled conditions, with MBC expressed volumetrically (kilograms per cubic meter) rather than the standardized moisture buffer value. Sorption–desorption tests revealed that increasing limestone content reduces moisture buffering but remains within acceptable ranges. A peak MBC was observed at 10% limestone substitution, linked to microstructural rearrangement, enhancing porosity and moisture dynamics. Higher limestone content diminished MBC due to decreased microporosity and surface area, despite increased total porosity. Dynamic energy simulations, validated by experiments, indicate indoor temperatures can be reduced by up to 4°C during peak summer, with annual energy savings of 68 kWh/m2. An integrated environmental and economic assessment estimates a CO2 reduction of 9.9 kg/year and a simple payback period of 14.7 years based on electricity prices in Tunisia. While benefits per unit are moderate, their cumulative impact at the building scale is notable. This work bridges material science, hygrothermal performance, and sustainable evaluation, supporting further life cycle analysis to guide eco‐efficient construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 23144904 |
| DOI: | 10.1155/je/1007625 |
