Experimental and TRNSYS-Based Assessment of Bio-Based Reinforced Plaster for Sustainable Building Applications

Abstract

This investigation aims to experimentally evaluate the thermal performance of plasters reinforced with bio-based materials and to assess their contribution to sustainable construction and the reduction in the environmental footprint of building materials by simulating their impact on the thermal behavior of a building in different Moroccan climates using TRNSYS software. Three types of samples were investigated: pure plaster and two others strengthened by 4% of alfa fibers and 6% of coffee grounds. Each model was produced with the following different water-to-plaster ratios (W/P): 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of aggregates and the increase in water content improved the thermal qualities of the composites. A combination of 4% alfa fibers and a W/P ratio of 0.7 significantly reduced thermal conductivity by 32.24%, decreased density by 26.82%, and lowered the decrement factor by 21.67%. Additionally, a composite containing 6% coffee grounds and a W/P ratio of 0.7 demonstrated a reduction in thermal amplitude by 15.61% and decreases in both thermal conductivity and density by 26.05% and 22.23%, respectively. Dynamic simulation indicated that these designs reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy loads. However, energy gains using optimal configurations were considerable and similar in the following locations: Agadir (16.3%), Tangier (14%), Meknes (13.5%), Ifrane (13.42%), Marrakech (13.6%), and Er-rachidia (12.5%).