Potentials of an Eco-Friendly Composite in Hot-Dry Climate

This study aims to show the aptitude of a locally made composite for providing thermal comfort and mechanical resistance in buildings in hot-dry climates. The thermal characterization reveals that the thermal diffusivity of the studied material is lower than that of commonly used materials such as agglomerated and full cinderblocks and laterite blocks and therefore is a better insulating material. In addition, its thermal inertia is the highest compared to commonly used materials of agglomerated and full cinderblocks, laterite blocks and compressed earth blocks, which implies a longer time lag. On the basis of mechanical resistance, with a compression resistance of 3.61 MPa, the studied material meets the requirement of CRATerre and NBF 02-003 (2009) as a material for construction of single-storey buildings. Therefore, this material, containing 1% Hibiscus sabdariffa fibers and compacted by vibration, is a suitable material for the walls of standing buildings and for thermal comfort in hot dry climates.