Evaluation of Hygrothermal Comfort in Buildings with Confined Stone Walls Based on Moroccan Zoning

Abstract:

This study aims to evaluate the performance of MPC building envelopes across Morocco's climatic zones and enhance occupant thermal comfort without the use of heating or cooling systems. The construction typology examined is residential housing. Dynamic thermal simulations were conducted using Design-Builder software, enabling thermal-aerodynamic coupling to account for natural ventilation effects. Key findings reveal that the thermal inertia of MPC walls effectively stabilizes indoor temperatures in winter by dampening external temperature fluctuations, thereby reducing heating demands. However, in the summer, particularly during extreme heat events, this same thermal inertia hinders heat dissipation, resulting in increased indoor discomfort. Simulation results indicate that adding insulation to MPC walls improves indoor comfort, as demonstrated by a reduction in the Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfaction (PPD) index by up to 20% in winter and up to 10% in summer. This research underscores the potential of MPC structures as a sustainable building solution (R ≈ 0.62 m²K/W) that integrates local materials, reduces CO₂ emissions, and addresses the thermal comfort needs of Moroccan households across diverse climates, in compliance with Morocco’s Thermal Construction Regulation (RTCM).

• Periodical: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa (Volume 73)
• Pages: 81-96
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-HvK2jW
• Online since: May 2025
• Authors: Najoua Eraza, Rime El Harrouni, El Hassan Sebbar, Najma Laaroussi*, Amine Hajji, Majid Mansour
• Keywords: Comfort, Energy Efficiency, Insulation, MPC Construction, Thermal Regulation

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