Thermal and Mechanical Performance of Innovative Solid Olive Waste Composite for Use as Insulating Materials in Building

Abstract:

The construction industry remains a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, primarily due to its high consumption of non-renewable mineral resources and energy-intensive materials. In response to the growing need for sustainable alternatives, this study focuses on valorizing lignocellulosic biomass waste specifically Solid Olive Waste (SOW), a byproduct of olive oil production abundant in Mediterranean countries as a partial replacement for mineral aggregates in concrete. The main objective is to develop and evaluate an Innovative Solid Olive Waste Composite (ISOWC) as an eco-friendly material suitable for construction sector. The incorporation of SOW was optimized using the Talbot–Fuller–Thompson (T-F-T) semi-empirical method, which enabled the determination of ideal incorporation rates (10%, 20%, and 30% by aggregate volume) based on maximum packing density. Composite formulations were developed using the volumetric mix design method, incorporating both raw and water-saturated SOW. Comparative tests demonstrated that saturated SOW significantly improved the composite’s compressive strength and thermal conductivity, particularly as the SOW content increased. To further assess performance, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on ISOWC with 30% saturated SOW at varying cement dosages (200–350 kg/m³). The formulation with 200 kg/m³ cement achieved a compressive strength of approximately 6 MPa and thermal conductivity of 0.72 W/mK, meeting the criteria for insulating applications such as blocks and cladding panels. These results highlight the promising potential of ISOWC and support further investigation into the use of Solid Olive Waste as a full replacement for gravel in the development of eco-efficient, sand-based concretes.

• Periodical: International Journal of Engineering Research in Africa (Volume 75)
• Pages: 79-98
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-dmp6Be
• Online since: October 2025
• Authors: Samir Medhioub*, Ali Ellouze, Rakia Shabou, Hassen Sabeur
• Keywords: Carbon, Green Composite, Mechanical, Solid Olive Waste, Thermal

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