Determination of thermal diffusivity of cement-stabilized laterite by transient thermal field and induced surface stress

Abstract

Knowledge of thermo-physical properties of local building materials are necessary for thermal comfort design and construction of residential accommodation. Thermal diffusivity of cement-stabilized laterites were measured under conditions of transient thermal field and induced surface stress, assuming constant temperature within the samples. The laterites were stabilized by 4 %, 8 % and 12 % cement content, and tested at water saturated and un-saturated states. The values of thermal diffusivity of dry and saturated samples were respectively ~ 5.01 x 10^-7 m²/s and ~ 5.35 x 10^-7 m²/s, and the two values indicated the suitability of stabilized laterite for providing thermal comfort in buildings.

Keywords: Laterite, Cement-stabilization, Thermal diffusivity, Thermal comfort, Constant temperature bath