Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

Flat concrete roofs, a common global roofing system, are particularly susceptible to high temperatures during summer due to extended sun exposure. This often results in increased indoor temperatures on top floors, leading to a significant rise in cooling costs - a concern with both individual and national economic implications. Despite available solutions, like insulation, the cost of implementation postconstruction can be prohibitive. This is especially true in South Asia, where vast urban areas consist predominantly of concrete structures and comprehensive heat control measures are seldom in place. Heat absorption by a top floor is influenced by factors such as seasonal changes, sun exposure, and the physical and thermal properties of construction materials. This study introduces a cost-effective strategy: the application of an additional layer of Surkhi. Surkhi, a fine powder made from grinding burnt bricks or clay pots, is a pozzolanic material common in South Asian construction. An air gap is maintained between this layer and the concrete slab. Additionally, asbestos and mud pots are placed between the Surkhi and the slab, creating a mix of nonentrapped and entrapped air spaces. Laboratory models suggest that this method notably enhances heat control on existing roof slabs.

Comments

Student publication. © 2024 Md Asfaq Hafiz. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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