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Thermal Performance, Microstructure Analysis and Strength Characterisation of Agro-Waste Reinforced Soil Materials

Author

Listed:
  • Monica C. M. Parlato

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Building and Land Engineering Section (Di3A), Via S. Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Simona M. C. Porto

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, Building and Land Engineering Section (Di3A), Via S. Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy)

  • Carmen Galán-Marín

    (Departamento de Construcciones Arquitectónicas 1, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. de Reina Mercedes, 2, 41012 Seville, Spain)

  • Carlos Alberto Rivera-Gómez

    (Departamento de Construcciones Arquitectónicas 1, Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. de Reina Mercedes, 2, 41012 Seville, Spain)

  • Massimo Cuomo

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAR), University of Catania, V.le Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy)

  • Francesco Nocera

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAR), University of Catania, V.le Andrea Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy)

Abstract

The use of raw-earth materials reinforced by natural fibres, i.e., livestock waste in the form of greasy wool, represents an eco-friendly alternative for a variety of construction applications. This proposal is based on the analysis of unfired adobe blocks stabilised with wool fibres for use as both structural and non-structural building materials. The influence of fibre length on the thermophysical and mechanical properties of the tested material was investigated. The thermal conductivity coefficient (λ) of raw-earth samples was assessed by following three different test setting procedures (T = 20 °C, and HR at 30%, 50%, and 70%), with the aim to evaluate the effects of different fibre lengths in the raw-earth mix. Samples reinforced by fibres 20 mm in length exhibited the lowest thermal conductivity coefficient (λ = 0.719 W/mK) obtained by a test reproducing typical indoor conditions within the Mediterranean area, i.e., T = 20 °C, and HR 50%. The best mechanical performance was exhibited by samples reinforced by fibres 40 mm in length, with a flexural and compression strength of 0.88 MPa and 2.97 MPa, respectively. The microstructure of these biocomposites was also examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) to qualitatively evaluate the variation of thermal and mechanical properties due to the different adhesion among the fibres and the soil. The experimental data show good efficiency and a significant improvement in the behaviour of these materials compared to the control samples. The evaluation of the results, with the length of the fibres being the only variable of the analysed samples, allowed for the identification of the mix suitable for the best mechanical and thermal performances, depending on the final use of the material.

Suggested Citation

  • Monica C. M. Parlato & Simona M. C. Porto & Carmen Galán-Marín & Carlos Alberto Rivera-Gómez & Massimo Cuomo & Francesco Nocera, 2023. "Thermal Performance, Microstructure Analysis and Strength Characterisation of Agro-Waste Reinforced Soil Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:15:p:11543-:d:1202783
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shukla, Ashish & Tiwari, G.N. & Sodha, M.S., 2009. "Embodied energy analysis of adobe house," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 755-761.
    2. Giada Giuffrida & Maurizio Detommaso & Francesco Nocera & Rosa Caponetto, 2021. "Design Optimisation Strategies for Solid Rammed Earth Walls in Mediterranean Climates," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-23, January.
    3. Francesco Nocera & Rosa Caponetto & Giada Giuffrida & Maurizio Detommaso, 2020. "Energetic Retrofit Strategies for Traditional Sicilian Wine Cellars: A Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-17, June.
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