New Materials for Thermal Insulation in Rural Construction

This article presents a study on thermo-physical characterisation of local materials used in the building. The simulation with Energy Plus software made it possible to evaluate the energy performance of a building. The studied materials are lateritic blocks which were not stabilised and those stabilised with the nere pod, cement and lime. Simulation makes it possible to determine the performance of the building and to evaluate the thermal comfort. The asymmetric hot plate method was used to determine the properties of the different types of samples. The values of the thermal conductivities of the different bricks vary from 0.427 to 0.814 W.m-1.K-1, they are relatively weak. These materials feet better for thermal insulation of buildings. This work aims to develop a new composite material, to improve their thermophysical property. Nere pod stabilisation saves on 20 to 43% energy depending on the mixing rate compared to mere laterite. The decrement factor and the time lag are better when the wall thickness increases. For the purpose of reducing the building energy consumption, this composite material is intended to be used in walls or false ceilings.