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| High solar reflectance precast for more sustainable designs  High Concrete Group has introduced a new high solar reflectance concrete mix design that significantly improves the heat reflectance of precast concrete surfaces, causing them to stay cooler. Solar reflectance testingfrom partner BASF Construction Chemicals confirmed the mix design has a solar reflectance index (SRI) of 82, nearly doubling the SRI of the company's conventional gray concrete mixes. High solar reflectance precast concrete helps buildings reflect rather than absorb solar radiation, supporting the sustainable design goals of project teams working in new commercial, institutional and other construction. The solar reflectance of a building's exterior surfaces impacts its contribution to the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon in which built areas are dramatically warmer than surrounding rural areas, resulting in poorer air quality and increased utility costs. High solar reflectance precast can also be used to reverse the urban heat island effect.High Concrete Group developed the high solar reflectance concrete mix design with BASF using 75 percent white cement and 25 percent ground granulated blast furnace slag, a recycled material, for the cementitious content. Local limestone aggregates provided a neutral-colored base. The SRI of 82 was achieved on a form-finished white concrete block sample. The high-SRI concrete mix is available for specification in High Concrete Group's architectural precast concrete wall panelsincluding the company's line of CarbonCast thermally efficient precast enclosures. The mix can also be specified for High's MEGA-Tee precast double tees, and CarbonCast double tees, which make up the driving surface of precast parking structures. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Construction News :: home page |