Thermally Efficient Clay Bricks Incorporating Mushroom Cultivation Waste for Sustainable Construction in Hot-Arid Climates | ||
| JES. Journal of Engineering Sciences | ||
| Article 14, Volume 54, Issue 1, January 2026, Pages 78-95 PDF (1.3 M) | ||
| Document Type: Research Paper | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/jesaun.2025.376779.1482 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Rania Abdelhady* 1; Dalia Tarek2; Marwa Ahmed3; Ayman Yousef3; Ayman Ragab Abdel Radi4 | ||
| 1Architectural Engineering & Environmental Design Department, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, South Valley, Aswan, Egypt | ||
| 2Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,Jazanu University, Saudi Arabia. | ||
| 3Department of Mathematics and Physics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Mataria, Helwan University, Cairo, 11718, Egypt | ||
| 4Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This investigation examines the integration of Mushroom Cultivation Waste (MCW) as a sustainable additive in clay brick manufacturing for hot-arid climate applications, with New Aswan, Egypt, serving as the case study location. Comprehensive laboratory analyses evaluated the mechanical, physical, and thermal characteristics of MCW-incorporated bricks across varying concentrations (0–15% by weight). Results demonstrated that optimal MCW content of 15% achieved substantial thermal conductivity reduction of 62%, decreasing from 0.77 to 0.293 W/m·K, while preserving sufficient compressive strength (8.6 MPa) suitable for non-structural applications. Energy performance modeling through parametric simulations indicated that north-facing building facades constructed with 15% MCW-enhanced bricks exhibited 14.3% decreased annual cooling energy requirements relative to conventional brick systems. The findings establish that MCW-modified bricks enhance thermal performance, contribute to agricultural waste valorization, and advance circular economy implementation in construction practices. This research provides evidence-based recommendations for sustainable building material development in hot-arid environmental conditions, demonstrating practical waste-to-resource conversion applications. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Mushroom Cultivation Waste (MCW); Thermal conductivity; Energy-efficient bricks; Hot-arid climate; Sustainable construction | ||
| References | ||
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