Hygrothermal performance assessment of a bio-based building made with date palm concrete walls

Abstract

The current research falls within the general context of expanding and developing bio-based materials as insulating and low-cost construction materials. This paper aims to investigate the effect of mass transfer on hygrothermal conditions, and the energy consumption of a building made with date palm concrete (DPC). As well as, highlighting the performance of this new bio-composite material compared to other classical materials. The results were obtained by numerical simulation using EnergyPlus software. Firstly, the hygrothermal model was validated using experimental data. Afterward, the model was used to investigate the influence of moisture transport on indoor temperature, relative humidity, and energy consumption of a DPC building. The results indicate that mass transport through the DPC envelope significantly influences indoor relative humidity and building energy consumption, particularly during the summertime. On the contrary, the indoor temperature remains to be less influenced by mass transport through the building walls. Finally, the hygrothermal performances of DPC and conventional construction materials (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, AAC) were compared in terms of thermal and hydric inertia, energy saving, and condensation risk. The results show that DPC significantly dampens and delays the temperature variation, mitigates relative humidity variations, and reduces cooling energy, especially in humid and semi-arid climates. Furthermore, DPC ensures that there is no risk of vapor condensation occurring on the envelope's surfaces.