ENHANCING BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY: INNOVATIVE CONCRETE WITH PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL-COATED COARSE AGGREGATE

Abstract

Global warming presents a pressing global challenge, with the construction sector emerging as a significant contributor to carbon emissions, accounting for 25% to 40% of global carbon emissions in Pakistan. To address this issue, the construction industry is seeking innovative methods to enhance thermal insulation in buildings. Recent attention has been drawn to phase change materials (PCM) for their thermal storage properties, owing to challenges in electrification, rising costs of digital equipment, electric transportation, and residential heating and cooling. PCM, substances that absorb and release energy at phase transition temperatures, offer promising solutions for heating and cooling applications in construction materials. This study focuses on developing PCM-coated coarse aggregates, employing lauric acid and paraffin liquid through vacuum impregnation. Different ratios of PCM-coated aggregates replaced natural coarse aggregates in concrete mixes (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). The study aimed to assess the mechanical, thermal, and bonding characteristics of concrete by evaluating slump value, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity. The results indicated that 50% PCM-coated aggregates have exhibited a consistent physical strength and excellent heat conduction across various applications of concrete. However, PCM-100% and PCM-75% compositions demonstrate heightened thermal energy conduction sensitivity but lower compressive strengths that make PCMs inappropriate for high-stress atmospheres. This research underscores the potential of PCM-embedded concrete for sustainable construction practices in the construction industry.