Thermal Characterization of a Geoconcrete Composite: Laterite With Addition of Peanut Shell

Abstract

This paper presents a study on the thermal characterization of laterite used as a building material. In Senegal, laterite has been used in construction on a semi-industrial scale since the 1990s through projects aimed at promoting local materials that can contribute to the energy efficiency of buildings. The aim of the work is to determine the thermal characteristics of a composite (laterite + peanut shell). The results showed that the pure laterite specimens have a higher conductivity than the laterite + peanut shell composite specimens. The formulation BTS10-12,5–4 has a thermal conductivity of 0.48 W.m-1.K-1, the bricks of this formulation can then be classified as insulating earth bricks.The thermal performance of the material has been improved by the addition of peanut shells.