ABSTRACT
This paper analyzed the heat transfer process within the layers of asphalt pavement materials, and provided better understanding on the temperature changes between shadowed and unshadowed pavement surfaces. Natural environment and tree canopies have been found to have influence on the heat energy absorption of pavement surfaces. The shades of leaves are believed to have an impact on the solar radiation filtration. The purpose of this research is to systematically determine the surface temperature changes of shadowed and unshadowed pavements caused by solar radiation. Finite Element Method (FEM) and heat transfer theory were performed to analyze solar radiation and temperature variations. Filed observations and temperature collections were conducted to compare the analysis results. The paper concludes that the temperature difference between shadowed and unshadowed pavements varying from 4.47°C to 1.58°C in a cloudy day and varying from 24.06°C to 32.38°C in a sunny day. The vegetation effect on pavements by trees can significantly reduce pavement temperatures.
