Hygrothermal characterization of rammed earth according to humidity variations

Rammed earth construction is built by compacting humid soil into formworks layer layer, using clay fraction as only binder between the grains, without firing procedure. At this stage, material unsaturated, and capillary forces thus act to add cohesion particles. Indeed, a peculiarity of its high hygroscopic capacity, which allows water vapor be absorbed desorbed matrix. The variation hydric state in leads variety mechanical thermal properties. Consequently, complexity studying due strong dependence many parameters on moisture content still few data are available literature subject for rammed materials. A used an existing building Lyon here characterized order determine hygrothermal Earth conductivity was firstly reference dry state, then influence humidity variations investigated. Sorption desorption isotherms were determined investigate ability store release humidity. Thermal conductivities measured at different relative humidity, put evidence environmental conditions.