A study of phase change material (PCM) on the physical and mechanical properties of compressed earth bricks (CEBs)

Abstract

Earth construction is an ancestral technique, which in recent years has attracted more attention due to its sustainability and low cost. Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) are a modern construction technique based in the ancient techniques of adobe and rammed earth. On the other hand, phase change materials (PCM) have been applied successfully in different products for the construction industry, due to their potential for regulation the temperature inside buildings. Thus, the association of these two techniques allows to obtain a constructive solution with all the advantages associated with earth construction, but also with a high impact on the energy efficiency of buildings. However, this is still an underdeveloped area with great research needs. In this work, CEBs were developed and characterized with direct incorporation of non-encapsulated PCM, having been evaluated different compositions in the fresh and hardened state. The main objective of this study was the development and physical and mechanical characterization of CEBs stabilized with Portland cement and activated with PCM, using a typical soil of the north region of Portugal. Having been evaluated the compression strength, deformation, water absorption, erosion and thermogravimetry of blocks with 25%, 50% and 75% direct incorporation of non-encapsulated PCM. It was possible to conclude that the incorporation of PCM in CEBs can be carried out successfully. The addition of a content of 10% of Portland cement and 25% of non-encapsulated PCM constitutes an advantageous solution in the performance of the developed CEBs from the physical, mechanical and durability point of view.