Experimental Evaluation of Sustainable Thermal Roofing Using Plant Fibers and Activated Pineapple Charcoal to Mitigate the Impact of Frost on Homes in the High Andes

Cardenas J.A.R.; Navarro Navarro J.D.; Cabrera A.C.M.; Santivañez J.E.O. · SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering (2026) · DOI: 10.14445/23488352/ijce-v13i4p116

Resumen

In the high Andean regions of Peru, frost causes extreme temperature drops that affect the health and comfort of rural populations, whose adobe homes lack insulation. The high transmittance of metal roofs and energy poverty increase vulnerability, requiring sustainable, low-cost solutions based on local materials. This research experimentally evaluated the thermal efficiency of adobe roofs modified with ichu, Linen, and activated pineapple shell charcoal in different proportions to determine the optimal doses for insulation and hygrothermal regulation. Ten 1:5 scale prototypes were built, one control and nine with adobe modified with ichu (30%, 33%, and 36%), Linen (57%, 60%, and 63%), and activated carbon (10%, 15%, and 20%). Each model replicated a rural dwelling with a corrugated iron roof sloping 13.5° to the south and 5 cm of adobe thermal mass to maximize heat capture. Temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed were monitored for 24 hours, at 15-minute intervals between 04:00 and 07:00 a.m., using calibrated digital instruments. The results showed notable thermal improvements compared to the exterior: ICHU at 33% maintained 9.5 °C, Linen at 60% reached 11.0 °C, and activated carbon at 20% reached 12.0 °C, with lower interior humidity. It is concluded that the incorporation of plant fibers and agro-industrial waste into adobe roofs offers a sustainable alternative for mitigating frost in rural high Andean dwellings.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental