Title:
Solar Reflectance Values for Concrete
Author(s):
Medgar L. Marceau and Martha G. VanGeem
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
30
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
52-58
Keywords:
albedo; heat island; solar reflectance; solar reflectance index; sustainability
DOI:
Date:
8/1/2008
Abstract:
The heat island effect in urban and suburban areas is the result of many factors, but the solar energy absorbed by pavement and building surfaces plays a major role. To reduce the impact of the heat island effect on surface air temperatures and energy consumption, environmental rating systems for buildings encourage the use of construction materials that efficiently reflect solar radiation and emit heat via radiant energy. The results of a study conducted to see how these properties vary among concrete mixtures containing various cementitious materials and aggregate types are presented.