Effect of cow's dung on thermophysical characteristics of building materials based on clay

Abstract

The excessive consumption of energy in the building sector weighs heavily on the energy bill of the developing countries. It is for this reason that several studies have been carried out at the international level, both at the level of building's envelope and equipments, in order to contribute to the control of energy. In this study, we are interested in studying the effect of cow's dung on the thermo-physical characteristics of materials based on clay in the region of Abeche (Chad). The goal is to obtain light weighs samples with better thermal performance, which can contribute to improve the thermal comfort in traditional constructions in Chad and to reduce the use of cereal's straw and pods. Since these are used to feed livestock. The experimental study that we have conducted has enabled us to determine the conductivity, the effusivity and the thermal diffusivity of our samples. Our experimental data show a good efficiency and a significant decrease in the thermal conductivity of material with cow's dung compared to simple clay material.