How load-bearing earth construction can meet today's energy demands?

Pierre Estève, Christopher T. S. Beckett, Frédéric Bosché, Habert Guillaume

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

The architecture, engineering, and construction industry is a major contributor to climate change due to its significant carbon emissions and solid waste generation. In the European Union, two thirds of this industry's waste is excavated earth, which has the potential to be a viable alternative to conventional construction materials. Raw earth, in its unprocessed state, has the advantage of requiring minimal energy to use in construction, while its physical properties help to limit the effects of large thermal gradients. However, it is important to recognise that earth construction depends on the context and architecture and is not universally applicable. It is essential to consider the specific architectural requirements and contexts when assessing the feasibility of earth construction and the potential of the resulting structure to meet energy demand targets. While the work of previous researchers has focused on the environmental assessment of an earth construction, this study attempts to integrate structural sustainability as a prerequisite. The analysis presented in this study is based on a parametric multicriteria model that combines structural, and energy demand analysis tools, using an integrated framework. The parametric model includes a variety of input parameters that can be categorised according to their contextual, functional, architectural, structural, thermal, operational, and temporal characteristics. A sensitivity analysis of the model allows the evaluation of the most influential input parameters for earth construction. These influencing parameters are finally used as main variables to study the evolution trends of the energy demand. The aim of this paper is to determine the context and design conditions of a structurally viable earth construction to meet energy demand requirements. These requirements are locally met by the load-bearing earth construction without insulation in a temperate climate, with 12 cm of insulation in an arid climate and with 21 cm of insulation in a continental climate.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2023
Event5th International Conference on Bio-Based Building Materials
- Vienna, Austria
Duration: 21 Jun 202323 Jun 2023

Conference

Conference5th International Conference on Bio-Based Building Materials
Abbreviated titleICBBM 2023
Country/TerritoryAustria
CityVienna
Period21/06/2323/06/23

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