This paper uses a single-family housing model as a case study to evaluate the environmental and thermal performance of rammed earth construction compared to conventional building materials. This study aims to determine which construction method presents a lower environmental impact while maintaining comparable thermal performance. The research begins by defining the physical properties of the earth material used for rammed earth walls through an extensive literature review. Once characterized, construction solutions for the foundation, walls, and roof are proposed. These solutions are validated using thermal transmittance, condensation, and thermal lag analyses, following UNE EN ISO 13786:2000 standards. A single-family housing model is then developed considering local climatic recommendations provided by the Climate Consultant tool. Its thermal performance is assessed by performing a steady-state energy simulation across three distinct climate zones in the Valencian Community: warm and humid (Valencia), cold and dry (Comarca Esport, Utiel-Requena), and warm and dry (Alicante). A comparable model built with conventional materials is also analyzed and adjusted to achieve the same thermal transmittance. The environmental impact is assessed through a Life Cycle Assessment of the A (production) and B (use) phases for both construction methods. This comparative analysis provides insights into the environmental trade-offs between traditional and conventional construction techniques. By quantifying the environmental impacts and thermal performance, this study contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable construction and highlights the potential of rammed earth as an environmentally favorable alternative.
Quintana-Gallardo et al. (Wed,) studied this question.