Read the text below.
Scientists at Rutgers University developed a special type of cement that can reduce the “urban heat island effect” in cities and other populated areas.
The “urban heat island effect” occurs when wide expanses of impermeable concrete or asphalt absorb the sun’s rays. This increases temperatures in cities or other areas that are populated. During summer, concrete streets and sidewalks can heat up to above 60 degrees Celsius, causing urban areas to be hotter than surrounding areas.
As a solution to this effect, scientists developed a permeable concrete. The special concrete has large pores that allow water to drain through and evaporate, decreasing the pavement’s surface temperature.
To create the special concrete, the scientists added steel fibers into conventional concrete. Then, they compared the surface temperature of both permeable and traditional concrete in dry and wet conditions.
Results showed that the surface temperature of permeable concrete pavement was lower than that of conventional concrete on rainy days but was higher on sunny days. The scientists fine-tuned their special concrete and were able to reduce its surface temperature by as much as 5.2%.
Hao Wang, one of the scientists, said that their findings may be an economical solution to the “urban heat island effect.” A report from the US Environmental Protection Agency explained that the heat increases energy demand during the summer since more people use air-conditioning. In addition, the heat worsens air pollution and increases greenhouse gas emissions and heat-related health risks.
Currently, Wang and his team are looking into ways that can make the special concrete stronger and more durable so that it may be used on busy streets and roads.