Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Lime-Straw Mix For Building Applications

Climate change, soil consumption and waste management are among the major challenges that current and future generations will have to afford. New opportunities and challenges for the building sector take advantages of sustainable materials where waste is used in place of raw matter. This paper presents results of an experimental study in which different combinations of straw fibers with lime putty have been investigated to develop innovative materials. Both lime and straw are natural, renewable resources, contributing to sustainable building practices. The use of lime putty, which can be produced locally, together with straw, an agricultural byproduct, contributes to reduce the carbon footprint associated with building materials. Decreasing heat exchange through buildings allow to achieve a better indoor comfort. Insulating properties of lime putty-straw materials have been tested to characterize and compare the experimental materials with traditional and existing one. Furthermore, mechanical properties under compressions were investigated evidencing how these materials have enough strength to be conveniently employed as base floor. The study finally aims at responding to current challenges in the transition towards low environmental impact processes, showing a potential way to produce low carbon emission buildings.