Enhancements in Hollow Block Technology: Comprehensive Thermal and Mechanical Characterizations

Joseph Dgheim (), Kevin Rizk, Yassine Cherif, Emmanuel Antczak, Elias Farah and Nemr El Hajj
Additional contact information
Joseph Dgheim: Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Kevin Rizk: Group Mechanical Thermal and Renewable Energies, GMTER, Faculty of Sciences II, Lebanese University, Fanar P.O. Box 90656, Lebanon
Yassine Cherif: Univ. Artois, IMT Nord Europe, Junia, Univ. Lille, ULR 4515, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géoEnvironnement (LGCgE), F-62400 Béthune, France
Emmanuel Antczak: Univ. Artois, IMT Nord Europe, Junia, Univ. Lille, ULR 4515, Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géoEnvironnement (LGCgE), F-62400 Béthune, France
Elias Farah: Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon
Nemr El Hajj: Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 23, 1-18

Abstract: 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 ( R ¯ ), average thermal conductivity ( λ ¯ ), and average specific heat ( 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 ( 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.

Keywords: eco-friendly hollow blocks; recycled aggregates; thermomechanical properties; green buildings (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: 2024
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