Experimental analysis of new bio-based plaster

The construction industry is one of the biggest consumers of energy and raw materials, and a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In this context the paper brings together the analysis of research conducted for Calchera San Giorgio, one of the Italian leading company expert in the formulation of materials based on aggregates and natural binders specifically for restoration, structural consolidation, refurbishment and sustainable construction. The present work specifically aims at analyzing the in-situ performance of a symbiotic supply chain plaster formulation from food waste, produced in prefabricated three-dimensional elements, consisting of natural materials with minimal environmental impact such as hemp fiber and ground eggshells. For the performance analysis of the material, a prototype building located at the company’s headquarters in Grigno (TN) was designed and constructed, as a testbed for in-situ performances verification. A detailed monitoring campaign has been carried out by means of sensors, for collecting temperature- humidity and heat fluxes behaviour. The new prefabricated mortar panels showed good hygrometric capacities, reducing the load of relative humidity through the wall, while allowing an improvement in indoor air conditions and quality; finally, the results obtained with in-situ measurement in terms of thermal resistance and transmittance of the vertical closure under analysis are comparable with those expected from static calculation.