Thermophysical characterization of concrete reinforced with baobab trunk fibers (Adansonia digitata L.) for thermal insulation of buildings

Authors : Alphousseyni Ghabo, Pape Moussa Touré, Younouss Diéye, Vincent Sambou

Pages : 251-259

Doi:10.47481/jscmt.1285031

View : 95 | Download : 120

Publication Date : 2023-12-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This work deals with characterizing concrete based on baobab trunk fibers for thermal in- sulation 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.
Keywords : Baobab fibers, Cement, Thermal conductivity, Density, Water absorption, Self consistent