Technico-Economic Optimum Value of the Thermal Behavior of the Compressed Earth Block Stabilized With Mutual Effect of Water and Cement Contents

Achieving optimal thermal comfort in earthen buildings requires careful consideration of material type and its thermal performance, especially in relation to cement and water contents. This study focuses on analyzing the thermal conductivity of cement-stabilized compressed earth blocks (CEBs) across varying water content ratios. The objective is to enhance understanding of how cement and water contents jointly influence the thermal conductivity of CEBs and determine the technico-economic optimum (TEO) for thermal conductivity in cement-stabilized earth construction. Experimental analysis involved measuring thermal conductivity using the hot ring method, complemented by mathematical formulations integrating material parameters and test conditions. A numerical model is developed to simulate thermal conductivity evolution based on the combined effects of cement and water contents. The study found that thermal conductivity exhibits an S-curve response to changes in both cement and water contents. Initial additions of cement minimally affect thermal conductivity, followed by a rapid increase before plateauing at higher cement content levels. The model accurately predicts conductivity values beyond those tested experimentally. This work underscores the critical role of cement and water contents in shaping the thermal properties of CEBs. Establishing a technico-economic optimum highlights the balance necessary to maximize thermal performance while considering practical implications. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing thermal conductivity in cement-stabilized earth building materials.