Abstract
The use of bio-based materials (BBM) in buildings is an interesting solution as they are eco-friendly materials and have low embodied energy. This article aims to investigate the hygric performance of two bio-based materials: palm and sunflower concretes. The moisture buffering value (MBV) characterizes the ability of a material or multilayer component to moderate the variation in the indoor relative humidity (RH). In the literature, the moisture buffer values of bio-based concretes were measured at a constant temperature of 23 °C. However, in reality, the indoor temperature of the buildings is variable. The originality of this article is found in studying the influence of the temperature on the moisture buffer performance of BBM. A study at wall scale on its impact on the indoor RH at room level will be carried out. First, the physical models are presented. Second, the numerical models are implemented in the Simulation Problem Analysis and Research Kernel (SPARK) suited to complex problems. Then, the numerical model validated with the experimental results found in the literature is used to investigate the moisture buffering capacity of BBM as a function of the temperature and its application in buildings. The results show that the temperature has a significant impact on the moisture buffering capacity of bio-based building materials and its capacity to dampen indoor RH variation. Using the numerical model presented in this paper can predict and optimize the hygric performance of BBM designed for building application.
Highlights
Energy-efficient, insulated and poorly ventilated buildings can have a bad indoor air quality due to too high or too low relative humidity levels
A recent literature review carried out by Kreiger and Srubar [23] and a review conducted by the authors show that, to date, there is a lack of in-depth knowledge on the impact of the ambient temperature on the moisture buffer value of bio-based building materials
The results show that the use of palm concrete (PC), which has a very high hygroscopic property, is very interesting for regulating the indoor relative humidity
Summary
Energy-efficient, insulated and poorly ventilated buildings can have a bad indoor air quality due to too high or too low relative humidity levels. It is possible to discuss the influence of the thickness of the material on the MBV, but the density has no relationship with the MBV, unlike the porosity, which has a very significant relationship As a result, these scientific studies showed that porous materials allow passive and effective regulation of the indoor relative humidity thanks to their moisture buffer capacity. A recent literature review carried out by Kreiger and Srubar [23] and a review conducted by the authors show that, to date, there is a lack of in-depth knowledge on the impact of the ambient temperature on the moisture buffer value of bio-based building materials. The impact of the temperature on the moisture buffering capacity of palm and sunflower concretes will be investigated at wall and room scales
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
