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<p>In order to meet sustainability goals in the building sector, this study explores the potential of alfalfa (luzerne) fiber–reinforced adobe bricks, an abundant agricultural by-product, as a sustainable construction solution suitable for Morocco’s warm and semi-arid regions. A comprehensive experimental campaign was conducted to evaluate the physical and thermal properties of these bricks with varying fiber contents ranging from 0% to 5%. The investigation focused on key parameters including porosity, bulk density, capillary water absorption, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity. The results demonstrate that increasing the fiber content leads to higher porosity and a reduction in both density and thermal conductivity, with improvements of up to 49%, thereby enhancing the material’s thermal insulation capacity. To assess the impact of these materials on building performance, a building-scale energy simulation was carried out using EnergyPlus software. The simulation examined two distinct climatic conditions and the carbon-free adobe bricks used, and the application of night-time ventilation. The findings indicate that the use of adobe bricks reinforced with 5% (type B5) combined with 50&#xa0;cm thick walls and night ventilation can reduce cooling energy demand by as much as 22.05% and 20.77% in Beni Mellal and Errachidia, respectively, while also significantly improving indoor thermal comfort? with a decrease in indoor overheating hours by 6.1% and 5.1% in Beni Mellal and Errachidia, respectively, when considering a fixed 26&#xa0;°C-based comfort range, while they decrease by 28.7% and 27.7% in Beni Mellal and Errachidia, respectively, when the adaptive comfort range is applied. In Beni Mellal, the combination of these passive strategies results in a nighttime temperature reduction of up to 4.18&#xa0;°C. Lastly. Lastly, the integration of bio-based fibers into earthen construction, when coupled with passive design strategies, offers a practical and cost-effective solution to enhance building thermal performance in hot climates. This research aligns with the principles of sustainable construction by promoting the use of natural, locally sourced materials and passive techniques that contribute to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.</p>

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Effects of alfalfa fibers on the thermophysical properties of carbon-free adobe bricks to improve the energy efficiency of buildings in hot and semi-arid climates: an innovative approach to sustainable construction

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月23日

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  • Abdelmounaim Alioui,
  • Samir Idrissi Kaitouni,
  • Mohammed Benfars,
  • Youness Azalam,
  • El Maati Bendada,
  • Mustapha Mabrouki

摘要

In order to meet sustainability goals in the building sector, this study explores the potential of alfalfa (luzerne) fiber–reinforced adobe bricks, an abundant agricultural by-product, as a sustainable construction solution suitable for Morocco’s warm and semi-arid regions. A comprehensive experimental campaign was conducted to evaluate the physical and thermal properties of these bricks with varying fiber contents ranging from 0% to 5%. The investigation focused on key parameters including porosity, bulk density, capillary water absorption, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity. The results demonstrate that increasing the fiber content leads to higher porosity and a reduction in both density and thermal conductivity, with improvements of up to 49%, thereby enhancing the material’s thermal insulation capacity. To assess the impact of these materials on building performance, a building-scale energy simulation was carried out using EnergyPlus software. The simulation examined two distinct climatic conditions and the carbon-free adobe bricks used, and the application of night-time ventilation. The findings indicate that the use of adobe bricks reinforced with 5% (type B5) combined with 50 cm thick walls and night ventilation can reduce cooling energy demand by as much as 22.05% and 20.77% in Beni Mellal and Errachidia, respectively, while also significantly improving indoor thermal comfort? with a decrease in indoor overheating hours by 6.1% and 5.1% in Beni Mellal and Errachidia, respectively, when considering a fixed 26 °C-based comfort range, while they decrease by 28.7% and 27.7% in Beni Mellal and Errachidia, respectively, when the adaptive comfort range is applied. In Beni Mellal, the combination of these passive strategies results in a nighttime temperature reduction of up to 4.18 °C. Lastly. Lastly, the integration of bio-based fibers into earthen construction, when coupled with passive design strategies, offers a practical and cost-effective solution to enhance building thermal performance in hot climates. This research aligns with the principles of sustainable construction by promoting the use of natural, locally sourced materials and passive techniques that contribute to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.