Assessment of Thermal Behavior of Model House Built With Sustainable Bricks

Abstract

The research assesses the environmental performance of sustainable building materials by producing small-scale models using varied masonry assemblies. Two model houses were built according to prescribed standards: one was made using Textile effluent sludge (TES)-cement bricks, while the other used fly ash bricks (FAB). The thermal performance of the houses (M-1 and M-2 of size 1 m × 1 m × 1 m) was evaluated by monitoring continuous temperature measurements within a specific time at the specified study site. In addition, an economic analysis of the model houses was conducted along with the examination of wall surface temperature data on the south-facing façade to establish the thermal conductivity properties of the wall assemblies. The results showed that the TES-cement brick model house had better thermal resistance and economic benefits relative to the fly ash brick models. Through the reduction of indoor temperatures, energy-efficient buildings help in decreased energy usage, making the TES-cement brick model house the most appropriate choice for sustainable building.