ABSTRACT
A pressing need exists to produce masonry blocks that are more sustainable and energy efficient since the concrete industry is responsible for more than 5% of the worldwide carbon dioxide emissions. Producing masonry blocks that have a higher thermal insulation capacity can reduce energy consumption. The global climate change has increased the desire to produce and use more sustainable and energy efficient construction materials. Despite the importance of concrete masonry units as a construction material, it is generally produced by using conventional materials like normal aggregate and Portland cement. The construction industry uses the largest amount of materials by weight compared to other industries in the United States. The chapter investigates the thermal characterization of a new fly ash-wood fiber masonry block. Two different tests were performed to find the thermal conductivity factor, energy savings and thermal insulation for the whole masonry units and the new material itself.
