Date of Defense
30-10-2024 10:00 AM
Location
F1-1124
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
College
College of Engineering
Department
Architectural Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Maatouk Khoukhi
Keywords
Biomaterials, building blocks, energy efficiency, hot climate, puffed rice, thermal insulation.
Abstract
Upon close examination in this study, the feasibility of utilizing puffed rice as an insulation layer for construction is explored. Regions that are warm and receive direct sunlight experience heightened temperatures, which can lead to structures trapping excessive heat, resulting in increased cooling demands, energy consumption, and higher costs all around. As revealed via findings from research conducted over time, puffed rice showcases immense prospects when employed as insulation considering its high level of percolation coupled with low thermal conductivity rates. Conversely, conventional materials tend to have better-quality properties like greater compressive strength than what one sees here, along with water-soaking tendencies. In an effort to scrutinize its thermal insulating capabilities thoroughly, the physical traits associated with it were assessed, including density and moisture absorption levels, by putting it through experimental stages closely monitoring, gathering material characterization, and inputting it using simulation software such as Design Builder, Energy Plus, and opaque 3.0, for the case studies of a common Emirati villa and typical office building in Dubai, will show the potential use of biomaterials such as puffed rice for insulation purposes in hot climates. Overall, the results put forward throughout provide comprehensive insights relating to how economically and environmentally optimally suited using puffed rice could prove suitable as an ideal building insulation material. In order for composite building blocks featuring Puff Rice fillers within them to strengthen their structural integrity, further additional studies will be required altogether.
Included in
THE USE OF PUFFED RICE BIOMATERIAL AS AN INSULATION LAYER: CHARACTERIZATION AND SIMULATION STUDY
F1-1124
Upon close examination in this study, the feasibility of utilizing puffed rice as an insulation layer for construction is explored. Regions that are warm and receive direct sunlight experience heightened temperatures, which can lead to structures trapping excessive heat, resulting in increased cooling demands, energy consumption, and higher costs all around. As revealed via findings from research conducted over time, puffed rice showcases immense prospects when employed as insulation considering its high level of percolation coupled with low thermal conductivity rates. Conversely, conventional materials tend to have better-quality properties like greater compressive strength than what one sees here, along with water-soaking tendencies. In an effort to scrutinize its thermal insulating capabilities thoroughly, the physical traits associated with it were assessed, including density and moisture absorption levels, by putting it through experimental stages closely monitoring, gathering material characterization, and inputting it using simulation software such as Design Builder, Energy Plus, and opaque 3.0, for the case studies of a common Emirati villa and typical office building in Dubai, will show the potential use of biomaterials such as puffed rice for insulation purposes in hot climates. Overall, the results put forward throughout provide comprehensive insights relating to how economically and environmentally optimally suited using puffed rice could prove suitable as an ideal building insulation material. In order for composite building blocks featuring Puff Rice fillers within them to strengthen their structural integrity, further additional studies will be required altogether.