SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR EXPOSED CONCRETE SURFACES TO CLIMATIC INFLUENCES – WITHIN VARIOUS REGIONS: AN INDUSTRIAL-GEOGRAPHIC LETTER TO CIVIL-CONSTRUCTORS

Environmental factors significantly influence concrete surfaces. Infrastructures are affected by variety climatic conditions including: extreme temperatures, droughts, moist and humid conditions or even inundation, and they are more likely to experience negative influences on their concrete surfaces. Thus, this research aims to identify sustainable solutions to decrease the vulnerability of concrete exposed to climatic and environmental influences by assessing the response of concrete surfaces to high solar radiation, high temperatures, and wet weather conditions. Our results within warm and tropical regions show that temperature fluctuations lead to expansion and shrinkage of concrete, particularly in buildings with poor thermal insulation. Including iron components are prone to these shrink-swell processes, causing crack development and expansion over time. Then, this study is suggested some responding solutions including; plant covering over concrete surfaces of the structures as well as use of some light-coloured silicates to reduce solar radiation absorption. Another focus of this study is to analyse the roles of some environmental factors including salinity, humidity, rain, and snow that may influence the concrete surfaces, particularly within wet and coastal regions. Previous studies show that the permeability of concrete surfaces increase the Infiltration of water which can lead to corrosion of iron components, and salt accumulation within cavities, particularly affecting coastal-zone infrastructures. Thus, a suggestion of high-density, low-porous concrete to be used to prevent the diffusion of water into concrete surfaces. The concrete surface problems that are occurring due to various environmental factors can cause severe damage. The corrosions including peeling process is an example of such damage that often is not-repairable. Notably, if peeling occurs within the primary reinforcing structure, the metal bodies are likely exposed to corrosion, which then requires a greater response to be fixed. Thus, the information provided in this study yield base suggestions which can support informed decision-making during planning and construction stages to sustain longer-lasting concrete surfaces under different environmental conditions. Additionally, the concrete material industry can benefit from this research, as the findings provide guidance to the use of more suitable materials for improved structural integrity under various climatic conditions.