Design and application of concrete bricks using phase change materials

Concrete bricks serve as versatile building components, offering not only structural integrity but also multifaceted benefits such as noise reduction, low maintenance, and enhanced fire safety. Moreover, their exterior walls exhibit superior thermal mass properties, contributing to energy efficiency in buildings. This study delves into the integration of Phase Change Materials (PCM) into concrete bricks, exploring the potential of PCM to address global warming implications by reducing energy consumption and improving indoor comfort. The research entails a comprehensive examination of concrete bricks embedded with PCM, comparing their performance against conventional counterparts. PCM-enhanced bricks, comprising 5% PCM by weight, were employed in constructing a room for monitoring temperature differentials at specific intervals. Various alignments of PCM placement during the casting process were investigated to optimize material effectiveness. Results indicate an average temperature difference of 4 °C to 6 °C between rooms constructed with PCM-enhanced and traditional concrete bricks. Compressive strength analysis reveals a 2% reduction, aligning with acceptable limits. These findings underscore the viability of PCM-enhanced concrete bricks in maintaining lower temperatures, presenting promising implications for sustainable building practices. This study not only contributes to the evolving field of construction materials but also underscores the practical applications of PCM-enhanced concrete bricks in achieving energy efficiency and enhancing the overall environmental sustainability of buildings.