Performance and Economic Comparative Study of Interlocking Block and Clay Brick Buildings

This paper presents the results of an inquiry into the comparative thermal performance and economic viability of interlocking block and clay brick. To this end, two test rooms of 2.4 m width, 2.4 m length and 2 m height were built. The first room was constructed using interlocking block wall whereas the second room used commercial clay brick wall. Data recorded included room temperature, inside and outside surfaces temperatures of all walls, and solar intensity. The experimental results showed that heat conducted better through the interlocking block than through the clay brick. This was not surprising because the thermal conductivity of the interlocking block is 234% higher than the clay brick. However, the cost of interlocking block wall was lower than the clay brick wall by 34.5%. An economic analysis indicates that the payback period of the clay brick in tandem with a 1 ton, split-type air-conditioner depends on the indoor set-point temperature. The payback period extends over a considerable time, and as such, the interlocking block represents the most cost effective alternative for wall construction.