Thermal-Energy Analysis and Life Cycle GHG Emissions Assessments of Innovative Earth-Based Bamboo Plastering Mortars

Abstract

Biomaterials and raw earth have demonstrated a promising potential for improving various thermal properties of plastering mortars used in buildings. The objective of this research was the evaluation of the thermal-energy performances and life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of different mixtures of engineered, bio-based earth mortars composed of bamboo particles, earth, and different cementitious materials. Four mixtures were assessed: mortars without bamboo particles (matrix), and mortars containing 3%, 6%, or 9% of bamboo particles by volume. The bulk density and thermal conductivity values obtained for the matrix and mortars with the highest percentage of bamboo particles (9%) were 1704.13 and 1471.80 kg/m3, and 0.62 and 0.43 W/M·K, respectively. Based on experimental results, thermal-energy simulations were carried out using a social housing project as a case study. The simulations evaluated different climate conditions and applied life cycle GHG emissions assessment methodology. Compared with typical cement and lime plastering mortars, the proposed bio-based earth mortars presented a superior thermal-energy performance and lower GHG emissions, particularly the 9% bamboo particles mixture. GHG emissions reached a maximum decrease of 28%. The main scientific contribution of this research is the presentation of an engineered, bio-based earth mortar that can be manufactured using local raw materials available in most developing countries with significant housing demands. The method used, based on experimental research, thermal-energy analysis, and life cycle GHG emissions, may be used for evaluating other innovative materials. It was verified that even with thin plastering in buildings, it is possible to achieve energy efficiency gains and to reduce GHG emissions.

Avaliação Da Contribuição Dos Insumos No Impacto Ambiental Da Argamassa De Revestimento

“…No intuito de avaliar a representatividade de cada insumo e de cada categoria de impacto, conforme já explicado, os dados foram normalizados. Analisando os resultados notou-se que ao contrário do que se esperava com base na revisão da literatura (7,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17) , a categoria de Aquecimento Global não foi a mais representativa. Ressalta-se que o conjunto de normalização da CML baseline é do ano de 2000, por isso, é preciso considerar que em anos diferentes as emissões podem ser consideravelmente divergentes em virtude das atividades humanas e densidade demográfica do ano tomado como referência.…”

Bamboo as a Nature-Based Solution (NbS) for Climate Change Mitigation: Biomass, Products, and Carbon Credits

“…Caldas et al [92] further showed that both wood bio-concrete and bamboo bio-concrete, using a LCA, could achieve a carbon-negative status if considered as a replacement for Portland cement for SCMs (supplementary cementitious materials). Similarly, adding bamboo particles to plastering mortars can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as the carbonation, carbon sequestration, and storage processes of bamboo, although still slightly carbon-positive, are low enough to considerably contribute to GHG reduction [94]. Paiva et al [94] further reported that mortar made with a greater portion of bamboo particles presented a greater potential for GHG reduction and better thermal performance due to a lowered thermal conductivity in the bamboo end product.…”

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Earth Construction: A Systematic Literature Review Considering Five Construction Techniques

“…Finally, one strategy especially important for embodied carbon reduction is using bio-based material as reinforcements since these materials can sequester and store CO 2 , which can be used for adobe, Cob, RE, and LSC. Additionally, they bring extra benefits in thermal performance and operational energy reduction during building operation for airconditioning [14,15] and help combat crack propagation, directly related to the durability and service life of buildings' components.…”

“…Paiva et al [14,15] evaluated the potential of earth-based mortar reinforced with bamboo fibers to reduce GHG emissions. Using bamboo fibers reduces the mortar's thermal conductivity, improves building thermal-energy performance, and stocks CO 2 , reducing life cycle GHG emissions.…”