29. A Study on Thermo-Physical Properties of Building Materials: Concrete of Vegetable Fiber

The objective of this work is to make our contribution to the development of local resources, namely vegetable fibers (grignons of olives) of low cost and from a renewable source, and integrate it in a rational way in the field of construction. To date, these fibers remained undeveloped except for some traditional uses. A judicious choice of proportion additions (fiber) and technical implementation are considered. Particular attention is paid to the thermal characteristics (comfort and insulating properties of the habitat) and mechanical resistance which is a decisive criterion for the choice of a material in the construction. We determine the thermal conductivity of the materials studied with an experimental apparatus that allows us to make measurements of the thermal properties under actual operating conditions (temperature and humidity). Results show a significant reduction in the density and thermal conductivity with increasing dosage of vegetable fibers in the concrete. Thus, improving of the thermal insulation capacity is confirmed. The compressive strength decreases with increasing dosage of plant fibers.