Experimental evaluation of thermal performance of innovative cement blocks made from construction waste in hot climate scenarios

Abstract

Facade materials play a crucial role in regulating heat transfer and maintaining thermal comfort, thereby directly impacting the energy consumption of buildings. Traditional cement blocks, though widely used, have substantial environmental impacts due to high embodied energy and resource use. This study addresses the gap in sustainable facade materials by investigating the thermal performance of cement blocks developed from construction waste. The research aims to compare the thermal efficiency of innovative Construction Waste-Based Cement Blocks (CWCB) with conventional commercial cement blocks under extreme summer in hot climate. To achieve this, the study employs an experimental approach utilizing scaled-down test rooms under various scenarios. The setup included controlled internal conditions and external meteorological monitoring. A comparison of the two results revealed that the developed blocks exhibited enhanced thermal performance efficiency compared to typical cement blocks. In all scenarios, the developed room consistently maintained a lower heat flux, with the conductivity reduced by up to 20%, effectively moderating the thermal exchange and preventing significant fluctuations. This performance also demonstrated a decrease in solar absorptance, signifying improved resistance to solar heat transmission and enhanced indoor thermal stability. These results suggest that building facades can reduce cooling loads and decrease operational costs for buildings in hot climates. This could also inform future building codes and standards, encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly building materials. • CWCB achieved a thermal conductivity nearly 56% lower than that of standard blocks. • CWCB recorded indoor temperatures up to 5°C lower than those in the typical room. • The waste-based blocks reduced heat transfer by up to 15% in closed environments. • ANOVA results confirmed that both material and ventilation affected heat flux.