An innovative clay metaBrick-based motif to enhance thermal and acoustic insulation

Abstract: Metamaterials have gained popularity in recent years as a promising avenue for producing innovative materials with distinctive properties that offer unprecedented features. In this study, we address the thermal and acoustic challenges of building materials. We numerically and experimentally investigate a clay metaBrick, which is an innovative metamaterial design based on the existing hollow brick that has shown strong sound and thermal performances. We evaluate the acoustic and thermal characteristics of the clay metaBrick, including sound transmission and heat resistance, using the finite element method. Furthermore, we validate the results experimentally by investigating the behaviors of the wall built on metaBricks in two tests: sound and thermal. We contrast the findings of the metaBrick based wall with performances of a standard hollow brick wall. The metaBrick offers enhanced acoustic and thermal insulation properties compared to the standard brick, with a compressive strength above standards required in the building materials.