Towards an integrated framework for the selection of biosourced construction materials in tropical african climates

Buildings in tropical African climates are increasingly exposed to high temperatures, humidity, and extreme climatic events, while material selection practices often remain poorly adapted to these conditions. Bio-based construction materials offer promising opportunities for sustainable and climate-resilient buildings, yet their selection is typically based on fragmented assessments that consider thermal, mechanical, or environmental performance in isolation. This project proposes an integrated scientific framework to support evidence-based selection of bio-based construction materials for tropical climates. Drawing on data extracted from the scientific literature and standards, the methodology combines thermo-physical and mechanical analyses implemented in scientific computing environments with multicriteria decision-making methods such as AHP and ELECTRE. Thermal comfort, structural performance, environmental impact, and contextual constraints are jointly considered within a unified and reproducible decision-support framework. By embedding climate sensitivity directly into both analytical and decision layers, the framework aims to improve material choices for buildings that enhance comfort, safety, and resilience. The results are designed to be transferable to other warm and humid regions facing similar climatic challenges.