Environmental and Ecological considerations of Clay Building Blocks by Bouyer Leroux

Environmental and ecological considerations and properties

The Bouyer Leroux Biobric clay masonry blocks have obtained in France the HQE ® mark (High Environmental Quality). The mark certifies that the products satisfy the following criteria:

Ecologically friendly construction
1. Relation with the surrounding environment
2. Low environmental impact in the manufacturing process
3. Low degree of “nuisance” during construction

Energy management
High level of continuous thermal insulation reduces energy demand in heating. Thermal bridges values are also much lower than conventional construction.

Maintenance
No maintenance required.

Humidity and condensation
High protection against dampness penetration and the formation of condensation.

Acoustic Insulation
Good results are easily achieved.

Quality of living environment
Healthier living environment is assured by the lack of dampness, the good insulation values and the resistance against biological growth.

Air quality
The clay blocks do not contain pollutants such as fibres, organic airborne materials (benzene, toluene, solvents, ethers), formaldehyde and so on (there are about 100 possible pollutants in organic airborne materials such as PFA). No fungicides or insecticides are present and no radioactive components.

Water purity
No adverse effect on the water table.

Water and Waste management
No effect on domestic water consumption and in waste management

Other considerations

Recyclability
The Bouyer Leroux clay blocks are totally recyclable.

In case of fire
Masonry clay blocks are totally fire proof (class A1). Furthermore no toxic gases will be released when exposed to fire.

In case of flooding
Prolonged exposure to water will not alter the structure of the clay blocks and their mechanical and thermal characteristics will be the same once dry.

In case of earth tremors
Excellent behaviour in seismic areas. The holding structure, with reinforcing rods contained in the column blocks and continuous lintels at each floor level is very efficient. The only recommendation is seismic areas is to fill the perp joints, an operation not necessary in other areas.

In case of pests and insects presence
The blocks cannot be attacked by pests and insects.

Thermal Bridges - Control of Condensation and Health features

BioBric construction: significant reduction of thermal bridges. Typical Ψ values: BioBric wall/concrete floor = 0.19 W/m.K BioBric/clay blocks cross walls = 0.08 W/m.K
About 4 times less than a standard block + insulation wall, avoiding “cold spots” in the wall.

BioBric Construction
Less water absorption in the wall. The table shows a typical example in a wet climate zone. Condensation risk is virtually eliminated therefore there is less need to adopt heavy external waterproofing systems that do not allow walls to breathe. The little moisture absorbed will be eliminated through an appropriate vapour permeable render and the wall will dry out naturally.

The adoption of Clay Block Construction improves the energy efficiency in a dwelling. Organic growth is non existent as the blocks are made with a mineral and non organic material, totally free of components that might encourage it. Clay blocks do not contain pollutant components, fibres, fungicides and insecticides. Fly ash content is ZERO. The denomination “Fly ash” covers more than 100 substances presenting potential health risks and their use should be avoided.

In France Bouyer Leroux Clay Blocks have obtained the:

HQE ® mark

for High Environmental Quality as they satisfy all major criteria for the achievement of a healthy, energy efficient environment.

Masonry Clay Blocks - The Environmental & Ecological considerations

Environmental and ecological considerations and properties

Thermal Bridges - Control of Condensation and Health features