Thermally Efficient Clay Bricks Incorporating Mushroom Cultivation Waste for Sustainable Construction in Hot-Arid Climates

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Architectural Engineering & Environmental Design Department, Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, South Valley, Aswan, Egypt

2 Department of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering,Jazanu University, Saudi Arabia.

3 Department of Mathematics and Physics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at Mataria, Helwan University, Cairo, 11718, Egypt

4 Department 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

Main Subjects

References

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JES. Journal of Engineering Sciences
Volume 54, Issue 1
January 2026
Pages 78-95

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