E-ISSN: 2458-973X
Thermophysical characterization of concrete reinforced with baobab trunk fibers (Adansonia digitata L.) for thermal insulation of buildings
1Laboratoire des Semi-conducteurs et d’Energie Solaire, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, Dakar, Sénégal
2Laboratoire Eau, Energie, Environnement et Procédés Industriels, Ecole Supérieure Polytechnique, Dakar, Sénégal
Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies 2023; 4(8): 251-259 DOI: 10.47481/jscmt.1285031
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Abstract

This work deals with characterizing concrete based on baobab trunk fibers for thermal insulation in buildings. The aim is to study the effect of the fiber content and the type of fiber treatment on the hygroscopic and thermo-physical properties of the concrete. Therefore, two types of treatment were carried out: an alkaline treatment and a thermo-alkaline treatment. Hygroscopic test results (34.25% to 54.92% for fiber content ranging from 14% to 28%) show that adding fibers to concrete makes them more sensitive to water. However, thermochemical treatment of the fibers reduces this water sensitivity. The thermal conductivities of concrete range from 0.202 to 0.086 W/m.K for the same fiber content. These results show that these biomaterials can be used in construction to improve building insulation.