Comparative Analysis of Local Materials Effects on Two Buildings Thermal Behaviours in Sahelian Climate

Abstract

The present work focuses on the effect of local materials on the energy performance and thermal comfort of residential and tertiary buildings in the Sahelian climate. Within the framework of the CABET project (Construction Alternative à Basse Energie au Tchad), two buildings were built, one in compacted and additivated raw earth bricks, the other in concrete blocks. These two buildings of same dimensions without floor and single-room were instrumented with temperature and relative humidity sensors since 2019. A weather station is used to monitor outdoor condition. By comparing the experimental data, differences in thermal comfort can be estimated. A heat balance was calculated in the two air volumes inside each building: the room and the space between the ceiling and the roof. An improvement in thermal comfort was experienced by the users after the installation of plant mats on the roof of the concrete block building.