Investigating Thermal Performance of Building Materials for Improved Comfort and Energy Efficiency

Authors

  • Sana ElAzzeh

    Department of Civil Engineering, Australian University, P.O. Box 1411, Kuwait City 13015, Kuwait
  • Hanai Al Shammari

    Department of Civil Engineering, Australian University, P.O. Box 1411, Kuwait City 13015, Kuwait
  • Shahad Hajy
  • Aisha Al Kandari

    Department of Civil Engineering, Australian University, P.O. Box 1411, Kuwait City 13015, Kuwait
  • Dhuha Al Mutairi

    Department of Civil Engineering, Australian University, P.O. Box 1411, Kuwait City 13015, Kuwait

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jbms.v8i1.12707
Received: 08 November 2025 | Revised: 10 December 2025 | Accepted: 12 January 2026 | Published Online: 16 January 2026

Abstract

This research investigates the mixed proportions of cement, sand, water, superplasticizer, and waste materials, like recycled concrete, recycled rubber, recycled wood, tea-leaf residue, and recycled plastic, with their replacement levels clearly reported for reliability. Eight mixes were manufactured and tested at the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR). The samples were then cured for 28 days, and compressive strength and thermal conductivity were measured. The control mix (Mix 1) showed a thermal conductivity of 0.788 W/m·K, while the wood and plastic mix (Mix 7) showed the lowest value of 0.266 W/m·K, which is equivalent to good insulation performance. Thermal conductivity (k) and thermal resistance (R) were reported together to provide a complementary insulation assessment for 50 mm (R = 0.05/k). Relative to the control (k = 0.788 W/m·K, R = 0.063 m²·K/W), Mix 7 (wood + plastic) achieved the best insulation (k = 0.266 W/m·K, R = 0.188 m²·K/W), representing a 66.27% reduction in k and a 196.45% increase in R. Mix 2 also showed strong insulation gains (k = 0.316 W/m·K, R = 0.158 m²·K/W, −59.95% k, +149.67% R), whereas strength results indicate these highly insulating mixes are most suitable for non-load-bearing applications. Compressive strength varied significantly across mixes, ranging from 0.38 MPa in wood-plastic composites to 19.30 MPa in the control, highlighting the trade-off between strength and insulation. The outcomes of this research are the demonstration of the capacity of the recycled and organic additive options to create energy-efficient, eco-friendly building materials fit for Kuwait's hot climate.

Keywords:

Sustainable Building Materials; Thermal Conductivity; Waste Materials; Construction Waste; Thermal Insulation

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How to Cite

Sana ElAzzeh, Hanai Al Shammari, Shahad Hajy, Aisha Al Kandari, & Dhuha Al Mutairi. (2026). Investigating Thermal Performance of Building Materials for Improved Comfort and Energy Efficiency. Journal of Building Material Science, 8(1), 12–35. https://doi.org/10.30564/jbms.v8i1.12707

Issue

Vol. 8 , Iss. 1 (March 2026): In Progress

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2026 Sana ElAzzeh, Hanai Al Shammari, Shahad Hajy, Aisha Al Kandari, Dhuha Al Mutairi

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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