SGER: Optimizing the Hygrothermal Performance of Earth Bricks in Hot and Humid Climates

这是SGER的一项建议，以补充PI在东非地区的NSF资助的国际研究经验(NSF-IRES)计划。这项拟议研究的主要目的是研究如何对现有的土砖进行改造，以改善其在达累斯萨拉姆等湿热气候下的湿热性能。这将通过一系列实验室测试和先进的计算机建模来实现。具体的研究目标集中在评估如何设计土砖墙体以实现以下方面的最佳性能：1)水蒸气渗透性；2)吸湿性；3)毛细作用。这些发现将被用来开发一个基于计算机的模型来预测土砖的性能。现在全世界都承认，像土砖这样的有机建筑材料更可持续。然而，就机械性能而言，它们的充分性仍然存在疑问。拟议的SGER研究将有助于现有土砖性能的可信度。拟议的SGER研究的一个关键成果将是土砖的湿热材料特性数据库，该数据库将在网上发布。这项研究还将汇集目前在竖井中工作的外国专家团队。PI将通过SGER为一名女性研究生提供研究培训。

This is a SGER proposal to complement the PI's NSF-funded International Research Experiences (NSF-IRES) program in the East African region. The overarching aim of the proposed research is investigating adaptations that can be made to existing earth bricks to improve their hygrothermal performance in hot and humid climates such as Dar es Salaam. This will be achieved through a series of laboratory testing complemented with advanced computer modeling. The specific research objectives focus on assessing how wall made out of earth bricks can be engineered for optimal performance with respect to: 1) Water vapor permeability; 2) Hygroscopicity, and; 3) Capillarity. The findings will be used to develop a computer-based model for predicting the performance of earth bricks.It is now universally acknowledged that organic building materials such as earth bricks are more sustainable. However, there are still doubts with respect to their adequacy as far as mechanical properties are concerned. The proposed SGER research will contribute to credibility of the properties of the existing earth bricks. A key outcome of the proposed SGER research will be a hygrothermal material property database for earth bricks which will be published on the Web. The research will also bring together a team of foreign experts who are currently working in silos. The PI will provide research training for a female, graduate student through the SGER.