Cement Block Research Articles

Wall sound insulation measurement in laboratory according to iso 10140-2 standard and sound insulation measurement on the same wall with electrical and telephone sockets

Study related to the measurement of acoustic insulation R to sand and cement block wall with flattening on both sides, which was built inside a Transmission Chamber in accordance with the ISO 10140-2 standard. Subsequently this wall is slotted, placing Conduits, accessories for illumination, electrical and telephone sockets on both sides, finally covering all these installations with products that make it appear that the wall is intact, then the measurement of its acoustic insulation R and Rw is carried out. The results indicate variations that can be very annoying for residents on both sides of the wall, highlighting the lack of sealing into the Conduits, the choice of materials, location of sockets and construction procedures, etc.

An experimentation of hand–arm tremor control using low-g area-changed capacitive micro-accelerometer

This paper aims to measure the human hand tremor caused by handheld device using a low-g micro-accelerometer. A novel low-g area-changed differential capacitive micro-accelerometer is designed and analyzed using microproduct design software INTELLISUITE 8.6. Thermo-electro-mechanical analysis is conducted for applied acceleration within the low-g range spans between 0 and 10 g. Existing design performances such as displacement and sensitivity are compared with new proposed design. The sensitivity of micro-accelerometer is improved by using U-shaped spring. The designed micro-accelerometer is used to find vibration that exists while using handheld device. Experimentation is done to measure vibration under dissimilar surfaces. The workers are made to drill three different surface blocks namely paver block, solid cement block, and black stone, and vibrations produced are recorded. These accelerations are intended to calculate exposure action value (EAV) and exposure limit value (ELV) for 8 hours of a working day so that worker can halt the work as soon as ELV is accomplished.

Eggshell-enhanced composites: Innovative radiation shielding materials for diagnostic X-ray applications

Concrete, a widely-utilized construction material for diagnostic room, heavily relies on Portland cement which is a major contributor to carbon emissions. Thus, this study focused on replacing cement with combination with clay (bentonite and kaolin) and eggshell powder (ESP) as possible shielding materials for diagnostic x-rays. 2 cm blocks are made from combination of clay-ESP, clay-cement and cement-ESP with replacement portions of 0%, 25%, 50% and 75%. Radiation shielding parameters (RAR, LAC, MAC and HVL) of these samples are investigated using a general x-ray machine at 60, 80, 100 and 120 kVp. In addition, elemental composition and compressive strength test are also performed on the blocks. As a result, between all combination, cement-ESP shows the highest RAR, LAC and MAC, however addition of ESP in cement did not show a significant photon absorption capability. Meanwhile, addition of ESP in the mixing portion for both clay results the RAR and MAC to increase due to presence of Si and Ca element in the blocks. In addition, clay-cement combination shows comparable shielding properties value and compressive strength to pure cement block. Therefore, since the objective of this study is to substitute cement with an environmentally friendly material, this particular combination is adequate for serving as a protective barrier for diagnostic purposes.

Assessing the stability of protective structures in preparatory mining workings under conditions of static load

The object of this study is the deformation processes in protective structures under the action of static load in the coal massif in order to preserve the integrity of the side rocks and the operational condition of mine workings. Under laboratory conditions, the deformation characteristics of rigid and flexible protective structures, as well as supports made of crushed rock, were studied on experimental samples. The samples were subjected to uniaxial compression. It was established that there is a functional relationship between the coefficient of transverse deformation ν and the relative change in the volume δV of protection structures, which makes it possible to estimate their bearing capacity. For rigid protection structures (coal pillars, cast strip, cement blocks, blocks of reinforced concrete bollards, bundles of wooden racks), the deformed state of the structures determines their behavior. This happens at values of ν=0.3–0.5 and δV£0.09. Their stability is fixed within the safe deformation resource. An increase in the deformation energy density of such structures beyond the safe deformation resource leads to their destruction due to a change in shape. For flexible protection structures (bundles of wooden racks, rolling bundles made of wooden sleepers), which have a transverse deformation coefficient ν=0.02, at a relative change in volume δV£0.3, the compaction of structures is observed. Increasing their stiffness allows limiting the convergence of side rocks. For a support made of crushed rock, at ν=0.25–0.32 and a relative volume change of 0.12£δV£0.32, its compaction and increase in resistance occur. Under such conditions, the convergence of side rocks is limited. In order to preserve the integrity of the lateral and operational condition of preparatory workings in the excavation areas of coal mines, it is advisable to use flexible protective structures made of wood or supports made of crushed rock

Stress Strain Behaviour of Solid Block Masonry Prism under Axial Compression

Masonry is possibly the primary construction element currently in widespread use throughout the world. Load-bearing masonry building is prevalent in developing countries for home construction. When properly constructed, masonry is frequently a more cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to reinforced concrete for wall building. In addition to performing the dual roles of supporting weight and enclosing space, structural masonry boasts a high level of fire resistance, thermal and acoustic insulation, and exposure protection. The remarkable durability and low maintenance costs are further evident benefits. Masonry has a significant role in building construction, particularly in structures, as it is regarded as the primary component of the building. The eco-friendly solid block is prepared by adding the following by-products like coal ash, granite powder, olivine sand etc., all these ingredients used for manufacturing the solid block are waste materials from various industries. Thus, extensive testing is necessary to assess their load carrying capacity and secant modulus accurately. Masonry prisms were developed with five-layer solid blocks and tested for their stress-strain characteristics and secant modulus and the test outcomes were compared with conventional fly ash cement blocks. Eco-friendly solid blocks offer a persuasive substitute for ecologically conscious approaches to building by preserving structural integrity and functionality while promoting sustainability.

Enhancing building energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions through sustainable cement block admixtures

ABSTRACT Buildings account for about 40% of total electricity use in the world for artificial cooling and artificial day lighting and they are also responsible for 40% CO2 emissions. The reduction of energy consumption in the building sector is a major challenge to cope with the scarcity of fossil energy resources and the problem of climate change. Hence, to decrease energy consumption and contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, different alternative building materials have been investigated. The aim of this paper is to study the effect of incorporation of fly ash, Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), ceramic waste powder (silica and alumina rich) and barite powder (as partial replacement to cement) on the thermal properties and thermal performance of the resulting cement blocks. This study also investigates the thermo-economic performance of building walls constructed with blocks of various cement blocks in distinct climatic zones of India. The building concept with the wall configuration (CC 50) demonstrated the greatest yearly air conditioning savings (0.37 and 0.34 $/m2) and the greatest annual reduction in carbon emissions (7.21 and 6.37 kg/kWh) in both hot-arid (Madras) and composite (Jabalpur) climatic zones.

Improving the bonding performance of new and old cement pastes by high-temperature treatment on the surface of old cement pastes

In concrete structure repair projects, patch repair is one of the most commonly used methods. However, the bonding interface is often the weakest part of the overall repaired structure, and its performance affects the safety of the entire structure. In this study, different groups of cement specimens with similar exposed surface were prepared by splitting the cement paste samples with water–cement ratio of 0.4 and 0.2 into two halves from the middle point. The exposed/split surfaces were then activated in an oven at 600 °C, 700 °C and 800 °C (heating time 30 min and holding time 5 min) respectively, and the new cement pastes were poured on the treated surface of the old cement paste samples after the treated samples were cooled down to room temperature. The interface bonding strengths of different groups of samples were tested through a three-point bending test, and the interface microstructure and composition were analyzed through micro indentation, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction tests. Among them, the interface bonding effect was the best with treatment temperature of 800 °C with an increase of more than 80 %. With this activation method, the old base cement can undergo rehydration reaction with the water in newly covered cement paste, thereby improving the bonding performance of the interface. However, high temperature can also cause microcracks on the surface of the old cement block, and it is necessary to control the activation temperature to achieve the required performance improvement. Combining mechanical tests, interface microstructure tests, and mechanism analysis, this study proposed and verified a method to improve the bonding interface strength between new and old cement pastes by high-temperature treatment on the surface of the old cement paste. Engineering applications were also discussed and explored.

Advancing Earth-Based Construction: A Comprehensive Review of Stabilization and Reinforcement Techniques for Adobe and Compressed Earth Blocks

This comprehensive literature review investigates the impact of stabilization and reinforcement techniques on the mechanical, hygrothermal properties, and durability of adobe and compressed earth blocks (CEBs). Recent advancements in understanding these properties have spurred a burgeoning body of research, prompting a meticulous analysis of 70 journal articles and conference proceedings. The selection criteria focused on key parameters including construction method (block type), incorporation of natural fibers or powders, partial or complete cement replacement, pressing techniques, and block preparation methods (adobe or CEB). The findings unearth several significant trends. Foremost, there is a prevailing interest in utilizing waste materials, such as plant matter, construction and demolition waste, and mining by-products, to fortify or stabilize earth blocks. Additionally, the incorporation of natural fibers manifests in a discernible reduction in crack size attributable to shrinkage, accompanied by enhancements in durability, mechanical strength, and thermal resistance. Moreover, this review underscores the imperative of methodological coherence among researchers to facilitate scalable and transposable results. Challenges emerge from the variability in base soil granulometry and disparate research standards, necessitating concerted efforts to harness findings effectively. Furthermore, this review illuminates a gap in complete lifecycle analyses of earthen structures, underscoring the critical necessity for further research to address this shortfall. It emphasizes the urgent need for deeper exploration of properties and sustainability indicators, recognizing the inherent potential and enduring relevance of earthen materials in fostering sustainable development. This synthesis significantly contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field and underscores the continued importance of earth-based construction methodologies in contemporary sustainable practices.

Recycling of Egyptian Shammi Corn Stalks for Maintaining Sustainable Cement Industry: Scoring on Sustainable Development Goals

This study focuses on recycling Shammi corn stalks in the cement industries, further avoiding air and soil pollution caused by their improper disposal. This crop residue was thermally treated at 700 °C for 2 h under an oxygen-rich environment to produce Shammi corn stalk ash (SCSA). This SCSA was used as a cement replacement material (2–10%, w/w), whereas the control sample included only cement. The compressive strength values for the 4% (w/w) replacement ratio at 2-, 7-, and 28-day ages were greater than those for the control by 26.5%, 15.8%, and 11.4%, respectively. This 4% (w/w) also maintained a better flexural strength than other mixtures, with proper initial and final setting times (135 and 190 min), workability (18.5 cm), and water consistency (27.5%). These mechanical/physical properties were integrated with socio-enviro-economic data collected from experts through a pairwise comparison questionnaire, forming the inputs of a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model. Recycling SCSA in the cement-manufacturing process attained positive scores in the achievement of the three pillars of sustainable development, revealing an overall score greater than the control. Hence, the study outcomes could be essential in developing green concrete, cement blocks, and mortar, based on the sustainable development goals (SDGs) agenda.

A Regression Model for Predicting the Cost of Laterite- Quarry Dust Cement Blocks

This is part of a study investigating the structural properties of blocks produced from using different combination of laterite and quarry dust as full replacement for conventional river sand as aggregate. The use of alternative materials in blocks production and other concrete works is becoming increasingly popular across most developing countries. This work developed a mathematical model using Osadebe Regression Theory (ORT) for the prediction of cost/cum of laterite- quarry dust cement block. The lack of fit of the model was carried out using statistical tool (excel) and found to be adequate. The model will be very useful especially for commercial blocks producers and built experts in Nigeria and sub-Sahara African countries for construction cost estimation and profit projection.

Study on thermal penetration process of oil casing in shallow water environment by plasma arc based on heat source simulation and experiments

Abandoned offshore oil wellheads must be removed and plugged to protect the marine environment. Underwater plasma arc cutting holds the promise of playing a significant role in this work. However, much remains unknown about the thermal burn-off process of underwater plasma arcs for oil well casing. This work investigated the thermal penetration process of oil casing in a shallow water environment through experiments and heat source modeling simulations. A workpiece made of mild steel plate and cement block was considered as a small segment of the oil casing to be penetrated. The hole diameters, depths, and removal volumes of the workpieces were investigated experimentally. A combined heat source consisting of an elliptical cone heat source and a semi-ellipsoidal heat source was established based on the hole shape. The simulated and experimental hole profiles matched well. The results showed that the evolution of the hole shape of the workpiece was related to the motion state of the plasma arc and could be reflected by the variation of the arc voltage. Compared to steel plates, cement materials were easily removed by heat. These findings are favorable to promote the development of underwater plasma arc cutting in oil casing removal.

Compressed earthen blocks using alluvial clays from Mbam: performance comparison using statistical analysis of cement vs heat-stabilized blocks

AbstractIn the present study, a comparison of the thermal-insulation and mechanical performances of cement and heat-stabilized compressed earthen blocks (CEBs) was carried out to determine the factors which influence those properties. The raw clays used consist mainly of kaolinite, orthoclase and quartz. The mechanical strength increased with increase in both the amount of cement added and the firing temperature. However, the responses are better for cement-stabilized CEBs. The thermal insulation of fired bricks is greater than that of cement-stabilized bricks. This difference was related to the decrease in porosity and the formation of continuous-surface. The decrease in thermal insulation is mainly related to the formation of continuous-surface in cement-stabilized CEBs, whereas in the fired CEBs, it is due to the modification of pore volume. The mineralogy of the raw clays is statistically correlated to porosity and continuous-surface development that were confirmed as the main factors in the modification of both the mechanical strength and the thermal insulation. In cement-stabilization, the decrease in insulation is due to the development of continuous surface, while for heat-stabilization, mineral transformations during the sintering reduced continuous-surface formation and the insulation was controlled by both radiation and reduced surface conduction. The influence of the mineralogy of the raw material shows that clay content favours the insulation in fired bricks obtained at T ≤ 1000°C, while sand contents favour densification. In contrast, clay contents reduce the mechanical response of cement-stabilized material due to limited cement–clay interactions. In general, the mechanical response is more favourable in cement stabilization, while thermal insulation is better in fired bricks.

Utilization of Aluminosilicate Industrial Wastes as Precursors in CO2-Cured Alkali-Activated Precast Concrete Pavement Blocks

This research focuses on the utilization of recently investigated aluminosilicate industrial wastes as precursors to produce non-structural precast alkali-activated concrete pavement blocks. For this purpose, conventional blocks (200 mm × 100 mm × 80 mm) were produced using electric arc furnace slag and municipal solid waste incineration bottom ashes as the sole binders. Portland cement and fly ash blocks were produced as references. The blocks underwent a curing regimen comprising thermal, dry, and carbonation curing stages. Control uncarbonated specimens were subjected to dry curing instead of CO2-based curing to evaluate the influence of carbonation on the blocks’ strength development. The specimens were subsequently examined following EN 1338, which is the European standard for assessing and ensuring the conformity of conventional concrete pavement blocks. The carbonated blocks revealed improved mechanical and physical properties in relation to the uncarbonated ones. All blocks met standard dimensions, showed minimal skid potential (most indicating extremely low potential for slip for reporting unpolished slip resistance values exceeding 75), and had enhanced abrasion resistance due to carbonation, showing 30% and 11% less volume loss due to abrasion for fly ash and bottom ash, respectively. Carbonated blocks performed better than non-carbonated ones, displaying lower water absorption (0.58% and 0.23% less water absorption for bottom ash and slag, respectively) and higher thermal conductivity (20%, 13%, and 8% increase in values for fly ash, slag, and bottom ash, respectively). These results confirm the effectiveness of the accelerated carbonation curing technique in improving the block’s performance. Despite the promising outcomes, further optimization of the alkaline solution and carbonation curing conditions is recommended for future research.

Hygrothermal Performance of the Hemp Concrete Building Envelope

The search for environmentally friendly and low-carbon-footprint construction materials continues progressively. Researchers are now interested in innovative materials that connect with the principles of sustainable construction, and materials such as hemp concrete prove to be promising. This article presents the results of a study that aimed to evaluate the hygrothermal performance of hemp concrete integrated into the building envelope using the hygrothermal tool WUFI Pro 6.2. The simulation model was compared and verified with existing models before its utilization for this study. The results of this verification were in good agreement, which gave us more confidence in its application for further parametric studies of building envelopes in hot climate zones. Three wall systems were simulated: (i) a wall system with hemp concrete, (ii) a compressed earth block wall, and (iii) a cement block wall. The most important variables used in the simulations were the hygrothermal properties of the materials or wall components and the incident solar radiation. The simulation results showed that hemp concrete has good thermal performance and temperature and humidity regulation capabilities of the building envelope. The interior surface temperatures of the hemp concrete walls were between 22.1 °C and 24.6 °C compared to the compressed earth block and cement block walls, where the surface temperatures were between 22.0 °C and 27 °C and between 21.2 °C and 28.7 °C, respectively, and between 23 °C and 45 °C for the exterior temperatures. These values remain the same with the increase in exterior temperatures for hemp concrete walls. In conclusion, hemp concrete could be a great alternative material for use in construction for hot climate zones.

Enhancing structural resilience by using 3D printed complex polymer reinforcement for high damage tolerant structures

Conventional cementitious structures demonstrate high compressive strength, yet they are inherently prone to brittleness. The development of materials or building blocks with high damage tolerance is essential for constructing robust buildings and structures, capable of withstanding various forms of damage. In this study, we introduce a novel approach that involves incorporating 3D printed complex schwarzites and zeolite based biodegradable polymer porous structures (soft phase) as a reinforcement medium within cement matrices (brittle phase). In the case of composite using primitive schwarzites and primitive gyroids, the specific resilience increases by 128.1% and 121.30%, respectively, compared to the control 3D printed structures. The most remarkable enhancement was observed in zeolites based structures, where the specific resilience was improved by 125.63% w.r.t the cement cube and an 505.33% compared to the control pristine 3D printed structure, respectively. This transformation effectively would mitigate the inherent brittleness of cement blocks, imparting a more ductile and damage-tolerant charecteristic to the composite material. These findings highlight the superior resilient structure and energy absorption capabilities of the composite blocks with different 3D printed polymer structures compared to pure cement cubes.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE USE OF NEUTRAL CARBON AND BIO-OIL WASTES ON WARM MIX ASPHALT CONCRETE

Waste materials can be used to produce cement concrete, asphalt concrete, block concrete, and other construction materials. This has been known for more than 30 years in the field of civil engineering. To allay ecological concerns, several nations are currently researching the reprocessing of neutral carbon and bio-oil wastes (NC&BoWs). These wastes are sustainable, but because of their large volume of landfill disposal, which has detrimental effects on the ecosystem and its inhabitants, they are starting to become quite worried for the ecosystem. Therefore, this study provides a comprehensive review of the use of NC&BoWs on warm mix asphalt (WMA) concrete to lessen our worries about the environment. Numerous investigations have been conducted to enhance various WMA technologies. These three technologies such as foaming, chemical, and organic enhance the structural behavior of WMA concrete and lower the viscosity of the asphalt binder. A bibliometric analysis shows that only 26 out of the 168 articles related to this study were published by Scopus between 2012 and 2023. Full-length articles accounted for 100.0% of Scopus publications, and it seems that not a single review article was accepted and published by Scopus. Based on the subject area, the fields of engineering, materials sciences, and physics and astronomy published 50.0%, 43.5%, and 6.5% of the Scopus articles, respectively. Consequently, the findings suggested that further reviews are necessary to verify NC&BoWs' ongoing efficacy in WMA concrete

Cradle-to-gate embodied carbon assessment of green office building using life cycle analysis: A case study from Sri Lanka

One of the most significant contributors to the economies of many nations is the building and construction sector. However, this industry is one of the world's most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, the concept of green building (GB) has emerged as the cornerstone of sustainable development. Even though GBs have a variety of advantages, the use of low-carbon materials is still lacking for both traditional buildings and green buildings in the Sri Lankan context, and energy-intensive building materials are responsible for 80% of the carbon emissions of the construction industry in the world. In Sri Lanka, buildings make up more than 70.9% of contracts and consume a significant amount of raw materials, and office buildings use 33% of the raw materials. Therefore, this research aimed to assess the embodied carbon (EC) of green office buildings and to provide potential measures to reduce the EC of buildings in Sri Lanka. Following the case study research strategy, the EC emission was calculated using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method for an eight-storey Platinum-rated green office building in Sri Lanka. The results showed that the green office building had an EC 583.82 kgCO2e/m2 of the gross floor area. Reinforcement steel was found to be the significant EC material, contributing 47.88% of the total EC. In addition to that, ready-mixed concrete, cement block, plywood, and aluminium are the other highly intensive EC materials in this study. The findings showed that the use of low-carbon materials, materials minimising design, utilisation of reusable or recycled materials, utilisation of local or regional materials, and utilisation of eco-labelling materials are potential measures to reduce cradle-to-gate EC in the building construction industry in Sri Lanka.

A Comparison of Conventional Blocks and Stabilized Earth Blocks as Building Materials in Uganda

In Uganda, the high cost of conventional cement and sand blocks has driven the widespread adoption of alternative building materials, such as wattle bricks, compressed earth blocks, and burnt bricks. Among these, compressed earth blocks have gained popularity due to their eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and biodegradable nature. Made by compressing damp soil at high pressure, these blocks offer an environmentally sustainable solution by minimizing deforestation and eliminating the need for firewood, which is often used in the production of traditional bricks. This study employed a case study methodology and utilized deliberate sampling to gather data, which was then analyzed using SPSS v20. The findings revealed that Stabilized Earth Materials (SEMs) have a stronger positive correlation with user satisfaction compared to conventional blocks, with a satisfaction rating of 0.651 for SEMs versus 0.602 for conventional blocks. Additionally, the study showed that SEMs had a notable impact on reducing construction costs, with a 4.8% cost difference in favor of SEMs. Based on these results, it is recommended that construction managers should consider increasing the use of stabilized earth materials. This shift could not only lead to significant cost reductions but also improve the overall quality of construction, making it a more sustainable and viable option for Uganda’s building industry.

The Effect of Different Decontamination Methods on the Micro-Tensile Bond Strength of CAD/CAM Resin-Based Blocks to Resin Cement.

This study evaluates the impact of decontamination methods on Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) between resin cement and resin blocks. Twenty CAD/CAM resin blocks from two manufacturers were wet-polished, sandblasted, and ultrasonically cleaned. After blood and saliva contamination, blocks were divided into subgroups: control, water rinsing, acid etching, alkaline cleaning paste, or 10-MDP containing cleaner. Resin-based cement was then applied. After 24 hours, the blocks were sectioned to obtain bars for testing. Half of the specimens were tested immediately for μTBS, and the other half underwent artificial aging. The surfaces of the blocks were inspected with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Three-way ANOVA was performed for μTBS values (α=0.05). In one of the substrates, the positive control subgroup obtained the highest value (56,01 MPa, SD:6,96) followed by 10-MDP cleaner and universal cleaning paste, when immediately tested, with significant differences respect to the water rinsing (p⟨0.041) and acid etching (p⟨0.048) groups. After thermocycling, higher values were found in the 10-MDP cleaner (47,57 MPa, SD:8,15), but differences were not significant. In the other substrate group, the 10-MDP cleaner subgroup showed highest bond strengths (64,46 MPa SD: 10,92) at the initial test. After thermocycling, 10-MDP cleaner (58,66 MPa, SD: 9,93) gave the highest μTBS value. Significant differences between water rinsing group and the rest of subgroups (p⟨0.001), and between 10-MDP cleaner and the positive control group (p⟨0.006) were observed. Cleaning after contamination improves bonding. 10-MDP containing cleaner can help to restore initial μTBS value and maintain it in the long-term.

Study of The Influence of Storage Media on the Thermo-mechanical Behavior of Concrete and Cement Blocks

Once all construction materials have been formulated, it is necessary to find a suitable environment in which to store them before using them in the building. Generally speaking, in developing countries, materials are not preserved under the real conditions of temperature and humidity and are exposed to often severe climatic conditions. This has an impact on the behaviour of these materials. With this in mind, we conducted our study on concrete and cement bricks, the two materials most commonly used in building construction in Africa. The overall objective of our study is to analyse the effect of storage environments, particularly ambient conditions of temperature and hygrometry, on the thermal and mechanical properties of concrete and cement bricks in a dry tropical climate. To achieve this objective, we first analysed the quality of the materials used to formulate the concrete and cinder block samples. Next, we chose a formulation method that would enable us to obtain the optimum proportions of aggregates. Finally, the thermal and mechanical parameters were measured using the KD2-Pro device and a mechanical press, respectively. The concrete and cinder block samples were stored for 28 days and 10 days respectively in the open air under ambient climatic conditions (35°C on average),in a water tank (29°C on average) and in a climatic chamber (20°C and 53% relative humidity). Results ranged from 1.126 (± 0.003) to 1.289 (± 0.023) W.m-1. K-1 for thermal conductivity. Mechanical test results ranged from 3.93 (±0.45) to 4.13 (±0.27) MPa for flexural strength and 16.42 (±0.17) to 17.95 (±0.21) MPa for compressive strength. The lowest thermal conductivity was obtained in the climatic chamber, with a value of 1.126(±0.0032)W.m-1.K-1.The best compressive strength of concrete and the best flexural strength of cement blocks were obtained for samples stored in the climatic chamber. For the best mechanical and thermal behaviour of these two materials, we recommend a temperature not exceeding 20°C as the storage environment in a dry tropical climate.