Assessment of factors impacting thermal conductivity of cementitious composites—A review

Abstract

Considering the fact that thermal mass materials enable a significant reduction of 7–22% in energy consumption in buildings, it is vital to use cementitious materials with enhanced thermal insulation properties. In this paper, thermal conductivity results of cementitious materials, based on different ASTM & other methods, are reviewed, further discussed, and analysed. The compiled test data are categorized/analysed for thermal conductivity behavioural differences in terms of test methods, assessment models, types of aggregates, mineral admixtures/additives and fibers used etc. The study also extensively assesses the influence of the microstructure and ambient conditions on the thermal conductivity of cementitious materials. Besides the type and volume of aggregates and cementitious admixtures, density/porosity and moisture content, strongly impact the thermal conductivity of cementitious materials.

Keywords

• Concrete
• Composites
• Thermal conductivity
• Lightweight concrete
• Green houses
• Insulation