Comparison of the thermal properties of clay samples as potential walling material for naturally cooled building design

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Etuk, Sunday E. | Akpabio, Idara O. | Udoh, E.M.

Affiliations: Department of Physics, University of UYO, UYO, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract: The thermal properties of different clay samples obtained from locations in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were investigated and compared, and in order to establish their suitability as building material from energy conservation point of view. The results showed that stoneware clay has the highest solar radiation absorptivity of 22.32 m-1 while kaolin clay has the lowest radiation absoptivity of 14.46 m-1. A model for the prediction of temperature variation with thickness of the samples was developed. Results showed that kaolin would make the best choice for the design of a naturally cooled building.

Keywords: thermal properties, clay, walling material, naturally cooled building

Journal: Journal of Environmental Sciences, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 65-68, 2003