Incorporation of Phase Change Material in Rammed Earth Materials

Sayed Mohammad Sajad Hussaini¹ Vahab Toufigh²

1) M.Sc. Student of Structural Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Email:
2) Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Email:

Publication : The 5th International Congress On Civil Engineering, Architecture & Urban Development(5icsau.com)
Abstract :
Rammed earth structures are becoming popular due to eco-friendly, energy-efficiency and sustainable advantages. On the other side the growth of energy consumption caused engineers and researchers to study how to further improve the energy efficiency of buildings using admixtures. In this research, the effect of incorporation of phase change material (PCM) on the fracture and mechanical characteristics of rammed earth materials was investigated experimentally. Wedge splitting test, compression test, indirect tensile test alongside x-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope were performed to study the macro and micro structure of specimens in presence of incorporation. Specimens were studied using cylindrical and cubic geometries. The results showed that addition of phase change material significantly decreased fracture resistance and residual strength of rammed earth materials. In addition, phase change material caused poor bond strength with clayey soil that reduced the compressive and tensile strength of rammed earth. Although thermal behavior was improved by incorporation of phase change material but cost of incorporation was high, therefore, architectural practice is recommended rather than incorporation of PCM.
Keywords : Rammed earth Phase change material (PCM) Wedge splitting test Fracture energy XRD SEM