Within IRDL, Machhour El Assaad explored the performance of bio-based materials in sustainable construction.
Machhour El Assaad, chercheur·e au sein de IRDL (Institut National Polytechnique de Bretagne).
Thèse soutenue en 2024 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Sciences Pour l'Ingénieur (Lorient ; 2022-....).
Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.
The thesis of Machhour El Assaad, conducted at the National Polytechnic Institute of Brittany, addresses a current topic of crucial importance: the performance of bio-based materials in the field of construction. At a time when environmental and energy issues are taking on unprecedented significance, it becomes imperative to understand how these materials, often perceived as an ecological alternative, behave under real conditions. Indeed, construction represents a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, and optimizing the materials used is essential to reduce this impact.
The research conducted by El Assaad highlights the variability of the thermal conductivity of materials, a fundamental aspect for the energy efficiency of buildings. This conductivity is influenced by environmental factors such as humidity and temperature, which can vary considerably depending on regions and seasons. For example, in a tropical climate like that of Benin, variations in humidity can affect the performance of bio-based materials, making their study even more relevant.
Preliminary results of this study indicate that bio-based materials, such as straw, hemp, or sheep wool, can compete with conventional materials in terms of thermal performance. These materials exhibit interesting properties, including better humidity regulation and the ability to store heat, which can contribute to increased thermal comfort in buildings. However, the research also highlights a major challenge: the lack of reliable methods to measure thermal conductivity under real conditions, particularly for non-isotropic materials.
This situation raises crucial questions about how building standards can evolve to integrate these new materials. Currently, existing standards are often based on laboratory tests that do not always reflect real conditions. Therefore, it is imperative to develop more precise measurement methods tailored to the specificities of bio-based materials. This could not only improve the energy efficiency of buildings but also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, a fundamental goal in the fight against climate change.
The thesis calls for an active promotion of these materials in the construction sector, highlighting their potential to transform the landscape of sustainable construction. Indeed, the adoption of bio-based materials could also stimulate the local economy by promoting the use of renewable resources and creating jobs in sectors related to the production and processing of these materials.
In conclusion, Machhour El Assaad's research paves the way for a broader reflection on the future of construction materials. Policymakers must take these results into account to guide public policies and encourage the adoption of sustainable solutions. The integration of bio-based materials into building standards could be a key step towards a more sustainable future, not only in France but also in other regions of West Africa, where environmental issues are equally pressing.
It is therefore essential that stakeholders in the construction sector, whether architects, engineers, or policymakers, collaborate to create an environment conducive to innovation and experimentation. This could involve financial incentives for projects using bio-based materials or awareness programs aimed at informing the public and professionals about the benefits of these materials.
In summary, Machhour El Assaad's thesis is not just a simple academic study; it represents a call to action for all those committed to the path of sustainability. By integrating bio-based materials into construction practices, we have the opportunity to build a more environmentally friendly future while meeting the growing housing needs in the context of climate change.
Accéder à l'étude complète
Sources et accès
Machhour El Assaad. Toward an estimation of real building energy consumption : performance analysis of bio-based and conventional insulation building materials. Materials. Université de Bretagne Sud, 2024. English. ⟨NNT : 2024LORIS705⟩. ⟨tel-05120362⟩