ABSTRACT

Thermal engineering of concrete structures is conventionally achieved by the use of nonstructural materials or devices, such as thermometers for temperature sensing, high thermal mass objects for heat retention, embedded heating coils for heating, hot water pipes for heating, etc. Relatively little attention has been given to the use of concrete (a cement-matrix composite) itself for thermal engineering. The use of a structural material for thermal engineering means the elimination or reduction of the need for peripheral nonstructural materials for thermal engineering. As structural materials are inexpensive and durable, this results in reduced cost and enhanced durability. Furthermore, the elimination of embedded objects means the avoiding of mechanical property degradation, as embedded objects are like holes in the structure. In addition, the thermal engineering function provided by a structural material is everywhere - not just here and there.