Heat Treatments Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Environmental factors significantly influence concrete surfaces. Infrastructures
are affected by variety climatic conditions including: extreme temperatures,
droughts, moist and humid conditions or even inundation, and they are more likely to
experience negative influences on their concrete surfaces. Thus, this research aims to
identify sustainable solutions to decrease the vulnerability of concrete exposed to
climatic and environmental influences by assessing the response of concrete surfaces
to high solar radiation, high temperatures, and wet weather conditions.
Our results within warm and tropical regions show that temperature fluctuations
lead to expansion and shrinkage of concrete, particularly in buildings with poor
thermal insulation. Including iron components are prone to these shrink-swell
processes, causing crack development and expansion over time. Then, this study is
suggested some responding solutions including; plant covering over concrete surfaces
of the structures as well as use of some light-coloured silicates to reduce solar
radiation absorption.
Another focus of this study is to analyse the roles of some environmental factors
including salinity, humidity, rain, and snow that may influence the concrete surfaces,
particularly within wet and coastal regions. Previous studies show that the
permeability of concrete surfaces increase the Infiltration of water which can lead corrosion of iron components, and salt accumulation within cavities, particularly
affecting coastal-zone infrastructures. Thus, a suggestion of high-density, low-porous
concrete to be used to prevent the diffusion of water into concrete surfaces.
The concrete surface problems that are occurring due to various environmental
factors can cause severe damage. The corrosions including peeling process is an
example of such damage that often is not-repairable. Notably, if peeling occurs within
the primary reinforcing structure, the metal bodies are likely exposed to corrosion,
which then requires a greater response to be fixed. Thus, the information provided in
this study yield base suggestions which can support informed decision-making during
planning and construction stages to sustain longer-lasting concrete surfaces under
different environmental conditions. Additionally, the concrete material industry can
benefit from this research, as the findings provide guidance to the use of more suitable
materials for improved structural integrity under various climatic conditions.