STUDY OF THERMAL AND CHEMICAL (THERMOCHEMICAL) PROPERTIES OF QUARTZ AND LIME IN CEBs

The thermal properties of building materials, particularly, thermal conductivity, are critical for ensuring thermal comfort and reducing environmental impact. While stabilization improves the physical, mechanical, and water resistance properties of compressed earth blocks (CEBs), it can negatively affect their thermal properties. This study examines the impact of cement stabilization on the thermal conductivity of CEB samples. Six samples with varying cement content (0%, 3%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%) were tested using the hot ring method in their dried state. The focus was on the effects of quartz (SiO2) and lime (CaO) present in cement and soil. The results show that the sample with 0% cement content had the highest peak temperature difference, indicating the lowest thermal conductivity. Conversely, the sample with 10% cement content had the lowest peak temperature difference, indicating the highest thermal conductivity. An increase in cement content led to a non-linear enhancement in thermal conductivity. Additionally, samples with higher cement content stabilized faster after reaching the peak temperature difference, highlighting the role of cement in improving heat transfer efficiency by reducing porosity and forming rigid bridges between particles. Received: June 10, 2024Accepted: July 15, 2024