Comparative analysis of thermal aspects and mechanical resistance of building materials and elements with earth

This article analyzes the thermal characteristics and mechanical resistance of some construction materials and elements that use stabilized natural soils. The methodology includes a bibliographic compilation of primary and secondary sources and information from in-house tests on density, thermal conductivity and resistance to compression, flexion and cutting for adobe, CEB, rammed earth and wattle and daub. In addition, the data are considered in relation to values for the thermal conditioning of buildings established by Argentine IRAM standards. Comparisons are made among earthen construction methods alongside some industrialized materials such as concrete blocks, hollow ceramic bricks, and solid fired bricks. From this analysis, the authors conclude that the literature review is insufficient for obtaining a standardization of thermal conductivity and transmittance values in natural building materials and elements. Furthermore, the comparative evaluation demonstrates how the density of materials and mortars used in different techniques are related to thermal behavior and mechanical resistance.