Experimental evaluation of thermal performance in bioconcrete with the incorporation of wood waste

Abstract

The environmental impact caused by the construction industry and the pursuit of energy efficiency have driven research aimed at finding solutions to reduce energy demand. In this context, the present study aimed to investigate how different fractions of sawdust influence the mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of bioconcrete. The process included: material characterization, mixing and molding, mechanical and physical analyses (compression strength, water absorption, specific mass, and void ratio), production of panels with varying sawdust content, and thermal characterization of the bioconcretes using a thermal chamber and temperature sensors, where one side of each panel was exposed to heat through a heating module. The results showed that the addition of sawdust reduced compressive strength, especially at higher residue contents. The mixture with 15% sawdust had the highest strength, reaching 33 MPa after 28 days of curing, while the mixture with 45% had lower strength. Water absorption and void index increased, indicating higher porosity and water retention. Thermally, the mixtures with higher sawdust content exhibited better insulating capacity, contributing to improved thermal control.