Thermal performance of compressed earth blocks stabilised with thermoactivated recycled cement

This study aimed to characterise the thermal behaviour of more eco-efficient compressed earth blocks (CEB) simultaneously stabilised with thermoactivated recycled cement (RCP) and with incorporation of construction and demolition waste (CDW). To this end, the thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity were determined for a wide range of CEB, with compressive strengths of 2–10 MPa, and varying types of soil, types and amounts of stabiliser and CDW contents. The thermal performance of CEB was governed by their microstructure, which was characterised by mercury intrusion porosimetry and N2 adsorption analysis. The thermal properties were essentially influenced by their total porosity, and to less extent, their porosity distribution, rather than their composition. The influence of moisture content on the thermal conductivity of CEB also depended on the porosity distribution of the CEB. Overall, even for similar total porosity and mechanical strength, the replacement of cement with RCP or the incorporation of CDW tended to improve the thermal performance of CEB.