Thermal Performance and Durability Evaluation of Arundo Donax towards an Improvement in the Knowledge of Sustainable Building Materials

Raphaele Malheiro, Aurora Morillas, Adriana Ansolin, Jorge Fernandes, Aires Camões, Maria Teresa Amorim, Sandra Monteiro Silva and Ricardo Mateus ()
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Raphaele Malheiro: Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction (CTAC), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Aurora Morillas: Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Azurém Campus, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Adriana Ansolin: Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Azurém Campus, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Jorge Fernandes: Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Aires Camões: Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction (CTAC), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Maria Teresa Amorim: Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Sandra Monteiro Silva: Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Ricardo Mateus: Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE), University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 2, 1-19

Abstract: Bio-based and natural building materials can support the building sector to reduce its environmental impact. In this study, experimental research was developed to evaluate the performance of giant reed when used as a building thermal insulation. Reed was chosen due to its high availability and close relationship to Portuguese vernacular architecture. The role of the reed’s origin in this context, its physical characteristics and its durability aspects were evaluated. The results showed that the performance of the reed boards was compatible with their use as a thermal insulation material, regardless of the reed’s origin. Denser boards showed better results. Under the favourable conditions related to the reed’s water content, mould growth could occur.

Keywords: giant reed ( Arundo donax ); thermal insulation; natural materials; durability; vernacular architecture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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