HYGROTHERMAL PERFORMANCE OF A STRAW BALE BUILDING

Author(s): L. Freitas Dutra, G. Promis, O. Douzane, A.D. Tran Le, T. Langlet
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Bio-Based Building Materials ICBBM 2019
Editor(s): Mohammed SONEBI and Sofiane AMZIANE
ISBN:
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-229-9
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2019
Pages: 723 - 725
Total Pages: 3
Language: English

Abstract: Straw bale-based buildings represent low energy consumption, durability and attractiveness. Their
sustainability depends strongly on temperature, moisture, and a combination of both. In France,
the first straw-based construction was built in 1921 and the number of constructions has increased
over recent years.
Therefore, the hygrothermal performance of a straw bale house in the Picardie, a region of France
was investigated. The house was built using a wooden load bearing frame filled with straw bales.
Laboratory and in situ tests were carried out in this study. To access the thermal properties of
straw bales, thermal conductivity was measured in relation to the orientation of the straw fibers.
The thermal resistance of a wall built in the laboratory, respecting the real construction parameters,
was assessed. The obtained U-value obtained was compared to those of different walls used in
civil field engineering. Then, temperature and relative humidity measurements were recorded
during more than one year, using sensors that were placed in indoors and outdoors, and at various
depths of the walls and floors.
Finally, these experimental data are used to perform a dynamic thermal simulation of the house
using the software WUFI. Winter and summer conditions were simulated. Results confirmed that
straw bale walls provide good thermal performance and a high hygrothermal comfort.

Online publication: 2019
Publication type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00