A 1D Model for Predicting Heat and Moisture Transfer through a Hemp-Concrete Wall Using the Finite-Element Method

Area of Science:

• Building Science
• Sustainable Materials
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Plant-based concrete offers low environmental impact and excellent hygrothermal comfort.
• Its adoption by engineers is limited due to a lack of established simulation methods.
• Accurate modeling is crucial for designing with this sustainable material.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a reliable simulation methodology for heat, air, and moisture (HAM) transfer in plant-based concrete.
• To facilitate the engineering design and application of plant-based concrete.
• To address the need for mass-transfer simulation methods for novel construction materials.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a classical 1D HAM hygrothermal transfer model in MATLAB.
• Utilizing the finite-element method for problem discretization.
• Experimental determination of plant-based concrete properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat, water vapor permeability).

Main Results:

• A validated methodology for simulating coupled heat, air, and moisture transfers in plant-based concrete.
• Demonstrated robustness of the simulation approach.
• Successful application of the model using experimentally determined material properties.

Conclusions:

• The developed MATLAB methodology provides a reliable tool for modeling plant-based concrete.
• This approach supports the rationalization and design of projects using sustainable building materials.
• The study validates the effectiveness of the finite-element method for HAM transfer in this context.