Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations
This research explores the thermal and mechanical properties enhancement in hollow concrete blocks by incorporating recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) and crumb rubber (CR). Key thermal properties—including average thermal resistance (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/199...
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2024-12-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/23/6133 |
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| author | Joseph Dgheim Kevin Rizk Yassine Cherif Emmanuel Antczak Elias Farah Nemr El Hajj |
| author_facet | Joseph Dgheim Kevin Rizk Yassine Cherif Emmanuel Antczak Elias Farah Nemr El Hajj |
| author_sort | Joseph Dgheim |
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| description | This research explores the thermal and mechanical properties enhancement in hollow concrete blocks by incorporating recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) and crumb rubber (CR). Key thermal properties—including average thermal resistance (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mover accent="true"><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mo>¯</mo></mover></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>), average thermal conductivity (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mover accent="true"><mrow><mi>λ</mi></mrow><mo stretchy="false">¯</mo></mover></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>), and average specific heat (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mover accent="true"><mrow><mi>C</mi><mi>p</mi></mrow><mo>¯</mo></mover></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>)—were analyzed, while mechanical properties were evaluated via compressive strength tests. Findings indicate that the addition of EPS and CR significantly improved thermal resistance, with specific heat and compressive strength remaining within acceptable thresholds. The optimal mixture of 35% EPS and 5% rubber by volume led to a remarkable 49.67% increase in thermal resistance compared to standard hollow blocks while still achieving a compressive strength (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mover accent="true"><mrow><mi>σ</mi></mrow><mo>¯</mo></mover></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>) around 7 MPa. These results classify the blocks as non-load-bearing, highlighting their potential for energy-efficient construction using sustainable materials. This research advances sustainable building materials by providing practical solutions to improve building performance in Lebanon. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-42bd63bef4a14d85a3e1317c821d4f89 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-42bd63bef4a14d85a3e1317c821d4f892024-12-13T16:26:09ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732024-12-011723613310.3390/en17236133Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical CharacterizationsJoseph Dgheim0Kevin Rizk1Yassine Cherif2Emmanuel Antczak3Elias Farah4Nemr El Hajj5Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh P.O. Box 446, LebanonGroup Mechanical Thermal and Renewable Energies, GMTER, Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Fanar P.O. Box 90656, LebanonUniv. Artois, IMT Nord Europe, Junia, Univ. Lille, ULR 4515, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géoEnvironnement (LGCgE), F-62400 Béthune, FranceUniv. Artois, IMT Nord Europe, Junia, Univ. Lille, ULR 4515, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géoEnvironnement (LGCgE), F-62400 Béthune, FranceDepartment of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh P.O. Box 446, LebanonDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh P.O. Box 446, LebanonThis research explores the thermal and mechanical properties enhancement in hollow concrete blocks by incorporating recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) and crumb rubber (CR). Key thermal properties—including average thermal resistance (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mover accent="true"><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mo>¯</mo></mover></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>), average thermal conductivity (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mover accent="true"><mrow><mi>λ</mi></mrow><mo stretchy="false">¯</mo></mover></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>), and average specific heat (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mover accent="true"><mrow><mi>C</mi><mi>p</mi></mrow><mo>¯</mo></mover></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>)—were analyzed, while mechanical properties were evaluated via compressive strength tests. Findings indicate that the addition of EPS and CR significantly improved thermal resistance, with specific heat and compressive strength remaining within acceptable thresholds. The optimal mixture of 35% EPS and 5% rubber by volume led to a remarkable 49.67% increase in thermal resistance compared to standard hollow blocks while still achieving a compressive strength (<inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mover accent="true"><mrow><mi>σ</mi></mrow><mo>¯</mo></mover></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula>) around 7 MPa. These results classify the blocks as non-load-bearing, highlighting their potential for energy-efficient construction using sustainable materials. This research advances sustainable building materials by providing practical solutions to improve building performance in Lebanon.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/23/6133eco-friendly hollow blocksrecycled aggregatesthermomechanical propertiesgreen buildings |
| spellingShingle | Joseph Dgheim Kevin Rizk Yassine Cherif Emmanuel Antczak Elias Farah Nemr El Hajj Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations Energies eco-friendly hollow blocks recycled aggregates thermomechanical properties green buildings |
| title | Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations |
| title_full | Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations |
| title_fullStr | Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations |
| title_full_unstemmed | Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations |
| title_short | Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations |
| title_sort | enhancements in hollow block technology comprehensive thermal and mechanical characterizations |
| topic | eco-friendly hollow blocks recycled aggregates thermomechanical properties green buildings |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/17/23/6133 |
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