Work

Use of Local Resources in Plant-Based Concretes: Exploring Thermal Performance Through Multi-Scale Modeling

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The construction sector significantly impacts the environment, driving the development of sustainable materials like plant-based concretes. These materials offer low embodied energy, effective thermal insulation, and natural hygroscopicity. However, one of the major difficulties is that the diversity of formulations complicates the performance assessment. Furthermore, few studies model their insulating capacity based on composition. This research employs mean-field homogenization techniques (Mori–Tanaka and double inclusion schemes) to predict thermal conductivity, integrating formulation, aggregate orientation due to implementation methods, and morphological characteristics at several scales. The models analyze key factors—aggregate type, aspect ratio, and orientation—improving insulation beyond experimental limitations. A multi-criteria approach further explores binder and aggregate proportions, hygric and mechanical properties, and raw material availability. One of the major results is that a preferred orientation increases thermal efficiency by 60 percent, a difficult factor to assess experimentally today. This study enables the optimized thermal performance of plant-based concretes before production, fostering innovative manufacturing approaches for eco-friendly construction.

Source: Construction Materials

DOI: 10.3390/constrmater5020027

Authors: Séverine Rosa Latapie, Ariane Abou-Chakra, Vincent Sabathier

Institutions: Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Toulouse, Laboratoire Matériaux et Durabilité des Constructions

Language: English

Topic: Hygrothermal properties of building materials

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207