Modern construction has a growing interest in geosourced materials for their low carbon footprint. This study aims to investigate the hygrothermal properties of two clay materials reinforced with wheat fibres using the traditional heavy cob technique for modern wood frame construction. The water absorption coefficients (
αmat), water vapor permeability (δ), water vapor diffusion resistance (µ), moisture diffusivity (D
W), moisture effusivity (b
m), equivalent moisture penetration depth (dp
1 %), specific moisture capacity (ζ), theoretical and experimental moisture buffer value (MBV
exp and MBV
theo), porosity (η) and sorption isotherms were studied as a function of the fibre content in the samples of fibre percentages of 0 %wt, 3 %wt, and 6 %wt. The thermal conductivity (λ), heat capacity (C
p), thermal diffusivity (D), and thermal effusivity (E) were evaluated as a function of the moisture content. The results indicate that the moisture buffering capacity of the clay samples, with and without fibre reinforcement, is greater than 2 g/(m
2. %RH). The open porosities of the samples varied from 20 % to 45 %, with specific moisture capacities from 0.014 to 0.031 kg/kg. The equivalent moisture penetration depth of the samples ranged from 2.17 cm to 2.68 cm. After the exposure of the cob wall containing 3 %wt fibre to temperatures of −5 ℃, 20 ℃, 35 ℃, and 45 ℃, the experimental results of the interior temperature of the wall varied between 19.5 ℃ and 23 ℃. It is therefore recommended to use cob containing at least 3 % or more fibre for wall construction in a real environment.
Submit the form below to access the download: