الرئيسية – كلية الهندسة – جامعة ميسان
In response to the severe climatic conditions of Maysan Governorate—characterized by an arid desert environment, summer temperatures exceeding 50°C, and intense solar radiation—this research investigates the development of thermally insulated cementitious building units capable of mitigating extreme heat gain. The study addresses the urgent need for construction materials that enhance thermal resistance, improve indoor comfort, and reduce electrical energy consumption associated with cooling systems.
The project centers on producing cement blocks insulated with recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) granules, locally referred to as cork. Experimental specimens were prepared using a cement-to-sand volumetric mixing ratio of 1:2. Recycled polystyrene beads were incorporated at varying volumetric replacement ratios (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, up to 50%) to evaluate their influence on thermomechanical performance.
The investigation systematically analyzes the impact of EPS addition on key material properties, including dry density, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity. By reducing density, the polystyrene inclusions are expected to decrease thermal conductivity, thereby limiting heat transfer through building envelopes. However, the study also assesses the corresponding effect on structural integrity to determine the optimum balance between mechanical strength and insulation efficiency.
The research ultimately aims to:
- Minimize heat flux through external walls in hot-climate buildings.
- Reduce cooling loads and overall energy demand.
- Identify the optimal EPS volumetric ratio that maintains acceptable compressive strength while maximizing thermal performance.
- Evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of recycling polystyrene waste in construction applications.
This work contributes to sustainable construction strategies tailored to extreme climatic regions and supports the adoption of energy-efficient building technologies in southern Iraq.
Supervised by: Professor Qadamah Muhammad Al-Yasiri
Prepared by Mechanical Engineering Department Students:
Muntadhar Abbas Hussein
Jabbar Jumaa Shaleh
Zahra Abbas Nais
