A review on the buffering capacity of earth building materials

Abstract

Unfired clay building materials are recognised for their ability to regulate indoor humidity levels through their moisture buffering capacity. Research is being conducted on the moisture buffering capacity of a variety of building materials with natural materials, such as clay, and organic materials, such as hemp or straw, presenting a greater potential to regulate indoor humidity than industrial building materials. Due to their high affinity to water, which is usually regarded as detrimental, clay materials present complex hygrothermal coupling phenomena, which are still under investigation. This paper summarises some recent investigations into the dynamic water adsorption process within clay materials in relation to their ability to regulate indoor air humidity levels. First, a review of the experimental methods to characterise this behaviour is provided. A review of experimentally measured results on the material scale using compressed earth block, rammed earth or plaster samples is then provided, followed by some larger and whole building measurements.