A REVIEW ON THE BEHAVIOUR, PROPERTIES AND FAVOURABLE CHARACTERISTICS FOR THERMALLY INSULATED CONCRETE FOR TROPICAL CLIMATE

Lee Thin, Tay and Yee Yong, Lee and Yeong Huei, Lee and Ahmad Kueh, Beng Hong (2022) A REVIEW ON THE BEHAVIOUR, PROPERTIES AND FAVOURABLE CHARACTERISTICS FOR THERMALLY INSULATED CONCRETE FOR TROPICAL CLIMATE. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 17 (3). pp. 1608-1643. ISSN 1823-4690

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Abstract

Tropical outdoor environment affects indoor temperature that consecutively interferes with human thermal comfort since most time is nowadays spent within buildings. A satisfactory indoor comfort can be achieved by providing a good building envelope. Therefore, the materials applied in constructing the building envelope should show characteristics of maintaining indoor temperature from the hot and humid outdoor environment utilizing heat transfer restriction through the thermal barrier implementation. In this regard, the thermal properties and performance of these materials are essential for building construction. Concrete, the main constituent in many building materials, has long been the key element in achieving human thermal comfort in the tropical climate. Nonetheless, there exists much room for improvement for conventional concrete in offering indoor thermal comfort, and thus leading to the need for innovative advances through the enhancement of thermal insulation properties by introducing novel additive materials. Therefore, this paper reviews the thermal insulation concrete including their thermal characteristics, classification, approach, added insulation material types, and usage in the context of tropical climates, concerning human thermal comfort. Key thermal properties needed for good thermal insulation performance have been discussed, from which beneficial behaviours relevant to thermal comfort are accordingly highlighted. Based on the reviewed materials and behaviours, recommendations for the most efficient method and characteristics to maintain indoor thermal comfort in tropical countries are consequently offered. Additionally, suggestions for future exploration are given where research gaps are identified. In summary, aerogel is the best thermal insulation material (lowest thermal conductivity, fire resistance and sustainable material) and incorporation of aerogel into concrete matrix able to produce thermal insulated concrete. In conclusion, thermally insulated concrete can reduce indoor temperature and therefore maintain indoor thermal comfort while capable of reducing electricity consumption for good thermal cycle sustainability.

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