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Open AccessArticle

Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations

by Joseph Dgheim, Kevin Rizk, Yassine Cherif, Emmanuel Antczak, Elias Farah and Nemr El Hajj

Energies 2024, 17(23), 6133; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17236133 - 5 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1746

This research explores the thermal and mechanical properties enhancement in hollow concrete blocks by incorporating recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) and crumb rubber (CR). Key thermal properties—including average thermal resistance (

\bar{R}

), average thermal conductivity (

\bar{λ}

), and average specific [...] Read more.

\bar{R}

), average thermal conductivity (

\bar{λ}

), and average specific heat (

\bar{C p}

)—were analyzed, while mechanical properties were evaluated via compressive strength tests. Findings indicate that the addition of EPS and CR significantly improved thermal resistance, with specific heat and compressive strength remaining within acceptable thresholds. The optimal mixture of 35% EPS and 5% rubber by volume led to a remarkable 49.67% increase in thermal resistance compared to standard hollow blocks while still achieving a compressive strength (

\bar{σ}

) around 7 MPa. These results classify the blocks as non-load-bearing, highlighting their potential for energy-efficient construction using sustainable materials. This research advances sustainable building materials by providing practical solutions to improve building performance in Lebanon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section J: Thermal Management)

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24 pages, 7917 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Multi-Physics Analysis and Experimental Testing for Hollow Brick Solutions with Lightweight and Eco-Sustainable Cement Mix

by Matteo Sambucci, Abbas Sibai, Luciano Fattore, Riccardo Martufi, Sabrina Lucibello and Marco Valente

J. Compos. Sci. 2022, 6(4), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6040107 - 5 Apr 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3937

Abstract

Combining eco-sustainability and technological efficiency is one of the “hot” topics in the current construction and architectural sectors. In this work, recycled tire rubber aggregates and acoustically effective fractal cavities were combined in the design, modeling, and experimental characterization of lightweight concrete hollow bricks. After analyzing the structural and acoustic behavior of the brick models by finite element analysis as a function of the type of constituent concrete material (reference and rubberized cement mixes) and hollow inner geometry (circular- and fractal-shaped hollow designs), compressive tests and sound-absorption measurements were experimentally performed to evaluate the real performance of the developed prototypes. Compared to the traditional circular hollow pattern, fractal cavities improve the mechanical strength of the brick, its structural efficiency (strength-to-weight ratio), and the medium–high frequency noise damping. The use of ground waste tire rubber as a total concrete aggregate represents an eco-friendlier solution than the ordinary cementitious mix design, providing, at the same time, enhanced lightweight properties, mechanical ductility, and better sound attenuation. The near-compliance of rubber-concrete blocks with standard requirements and the value-added properties have demonstrated a good potential for incorporating waste rubber as aggregate for non-structural applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Composite Construction Materials)

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