Precast Concrete Pavements of High Albedo to Achieve the Net “Zero-Emissions” Commitments

Abstract

Pavements store heat, which is subsequently released into the atmosphere, heating the surrounding air. Therefore, this process contributes to climate change and global warming. For this reason, the use of high-solar-reflectance (albedo) pavements is seen as one of the potential mitigation methods for climate change. Concrete pavements have a much higher albedo than asphalt due to their light gray color compared with black pavements. Accordingly, the widespread utilization of highly reflective concrete pavements will improve local climate change mitigation. Nevertheless, concrete albedo slightly decreases over time because of weathering. Albedo and solar reflectance index (SRI) measurements were taken on actual precast concrete pavements made with different mixes. The methodology applied for this project is based on the comparison between the asphalt and concrete pavements’ reflectivity. Conventional concrete mix designs can provide cool pavements with SRI higher than 29. Replacement of black pavements by highly reflective concrete pavements appeared to be a cost-effective and easily implemented measure to combat climate change. Finally, multidisciplinary studies considering factors such as building materials’ albedo, among other mitigation measures, should be performed to provide more precise and reliable guidance to policymakers, stakeholders, decision makers and urban planners.

Evaluation of Microclimate Benefits Due to Cool Pavements and Green Infrastructures on Urban Heat Islands

“…Atmosphere 2022, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 18 pavements guarantee rainwater penetration and evaporation during the hottest hours [26,27]. In addition, in parking areas, grass grid pavers combine both technologies for cooling the pavement and air [28][29][30].…”

“…For example, cool pavements can soften the negative effects of UHIs through different technologies [23][24][25]. Furthermore, permeable pavements guarantee rainwater penetration and evaporation during the hottest hours [26,27]. In addition, in parking areas, grass grid pavers combine both technologies for cooling the pavement and air [28][29][30].…”

Precast Assembled Road Paving Technology: Progress and Prospects

“…Pipes for longitudinal post-tensioning are cast into each slab during production. Post-and pretensioning counteract part of the tensile/bending stresses that occur in precast concrete slabs under traffic and environmental loads [61][62][63]. Prestressed slab systems combine the benefits of prestressed concrete and precast slabs.…”

Carbon Dioxide Uptake by Brazilian Cement-Based Materials

“…In the target category of "built environment and community structure", the use of recycled materials in infrastructure is mentioned as an action. Nevertheless, in the target category of "carbon sinks, sequestration and biodiversity", the authors included "Increasing carbon stock of forest and other green areas in city area", but omitted the reference to the high albedo of the concrete pavements, which has been studied extensively in several cities [25,26], and also did not discuss concrete carbonation. Since cities have geographically bounded areas, which restrict the potential for development of land-based carbon sequestration, a more significant role for other types of carbon dioxide uptake is expected, such as the use of some carbonatable cement-based materials.…”