Innovative building materials, between sustainable development and technology, a promising approach towards sustainable construction

Abstract

In the era of globalization and industrialization, the urban population will represent three quarters of the world’s population over the next three decades. However, the development of cities is done in an irrational way and which seriously affects the quality of life of the inhabitants. In Algeria after independence, the choice of a development mode based on industrialization, has strongly influenced the construction sector. Construction methods have shown failures in the quality of life in cities. In addition, the construction materials currently used such as concrete, metal and glass have harmful impacts on humans and their environment. For this, the construction sector must face environmental concerns, in particular due to uncontrolled energy consumption and the high quantities of raw materials extracted from natural resources. At this stage, the encouragement of the use of natural building materials increases over time with the use of innovation. These innovative materials are natural based such as: stone, wood, earth. They aim to be not only more environmentally friendly, but also to reduce construction costs, while improving the quality of new lifestyles. Currently, several works started around the world by research labs to improve energy performance from their manufacture. Ecological tiles, LiTraCon translucent concrete, BetR-blok bricks, CEMATERRE are innovative materials that will help build the house of tomorrow[1]. Therefore, the present research is interested on the study of some innovative materials and its impact on the quality of life in cities. A work of energy analysis and thermal simulation using software ECOTECT of some houses in the city of Ain Beida will be carried out. Thermal simulation with “ECOTECT” software was developed on a house built with ordinary brick to assess the indoor thermal comfort through the variation of indoor temperature. Then, another simulation was developed by replacing the existing material by CEMATERRE to compare the two results obtained to evaluate the thermal performance of the earth material. The objective is to have an idea on the importance of the use of innovative materials, as an axis to be undertaken towards a sustainable construction respectful of the environment for better living in the cities. The purpose is to open a debate: How to live better in the city, through the use of innovative materials?