1) The document describes a study that evaluates the thermal performance of concrete panels containing different percentages of fly ash as a substitute for ordinary Portland cement. 2) An existing structure was retrofitted with four identical compartments containing concrete slabs with 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% fly ash. Thermocouples were installed to measure the thermal resistance of each panel. 3) The data collected will help determine the thermal efficiency of different fly ash mixtures and provide guidance on best practices for using fly ash in concrete to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining structural integrity.

1. Thermal Performance and Environmental Impact of Sustainable Concrete
Kyle Rookstool
UA Sustainability Programs
DESIGN BUILT ENVIRONMENT
THE PROBLEM The structure is designed built as a large room SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainable development involves maintaining our with 4 identical compartments. Each one of these
current rate of development while leaving suitable The Structure was
compartments hold a Green Concrete slab each This investigation and its product has significant
resources for later generations to continue developing. made out of
with a different percentage of fly-ash in ratio with relevance to sustainability. The information,
The production of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is a Structurally-Insulated-
Ordinary Portland Concrete aggregate. design, and lessons learned will be disseminated
resource- and energy-intensive process consuming Panels (SIPS) which
approximately 1.5 ton of raw materials and Panel 1: 0%FA- made design and to a broad ranging audience.
producing approximately 1 ton of carbon dioxide 100%OPC building more efficient. The experimental building itself as an interface
(CO2) for each ton of OPC produced. After erecting, the with the public will stand as a demonstration and
Panel 2: 25%FA- are interchangeable for any future experiments.
sample concrete example for the appreciation of fly ash as a waste
1 2 3 4
75%OPC Temporary appendages were built until further
panels are put into by-product.
building couldpanels
place. These be done. From there the final
Panel 3: 50%FA- construction sequence began. • The building is designed and built in a cost
50%OPC 1. Weather barriers were applied; house-wrap and effective, sustainable, and appealing way in
1 2 3 4 tar paper. emphasizing the sustainable built environment
Panel 4: 75%FA- 2. Roof profile was thickened and pitched. • The data gathered will demonstrate the
25%OPC 3. Gutter was installed recessed as to not be seen. reduced impact on the natural systems.
Fly-Ash Landfill
www.ombwatch.org 4. Cedar rain screen installed. • The results obtained from this research will
indicate the recommendation guidelines
Globally, the production of OPC accounts for The Compartments are designed to separate related to best practice of mix and application
The cedar rain screen
approximately between 5 to 7% of CO2 emissions each panel into its own thermal zone. Since the of green concrete for lesser environmental
performs multiple tasks.
into the atmosphere. entire inside will provide a control temperature
• Provides a ventilation impact and preserved structural integrity.
There are three main reasons to use fly ash as a that will effect each compartment the same way,
cavity for evaporation
substitute ingredient in concrete: the only surface that will be influenced individually
• Provides a insulation
• First, the reduction of disposal into landfills of the will be the concrete panel. The main room will be
cavity.
coal combustion products such as fly ash. kept at a constant temperature using a window
• Second, it creates significant environmental benefits • Provides depth to an
AC unit. It is constructed with a door and two
• Third, it improves the quality of the finished product otherwise planar façade.
typical windows in order to imitate a typical http://cpcbenvis.nic.in
in terms of its properties. dwelling. http://ecosmartconcrete.com
• (2) Standard
The structure is outfitted with thermocouples. The Interior was wired with thermocouples, lighting,
fluorescent lights for
THE PROJECT Thermocouples are a wired pair of different and power. interior space.
metals that, due to the difference of resistance will
These thermocouples in • (2) Standard 120V
The purpose of this project is to evaluate the thermal outlets
each metal, the temperature can be calculated. a
be wired into
performance of green concrete based on benchmark • (1) Specialty AC outlet
developments related to this material. By measuring
multiplexer, this allows for
• (27) thermocouple THE FUTURE
many thermocouples to be runs
the thermal resistance of concrete panels with different
percentages of fly ash, gathering, and analyzing the run. The multiplexer is run • Powered by external This Project provides an environment to cater to
data, we will be able to determine the thermal efficiency to the data logger which Troy-Bilt 7000 watt similar future investigations. Now, any sample
of each panel and the contribution of this ingredient. gathers the information generator. panel may be placed in and data gathered. Future
With that data, specifications can be made to better produced from the investigations may include:
inform the use of fly-ash in concrete. The project is thermocouples and sends The thermocouples are wired an many different
points. Currently, there are 3 on the outside of each • Fiber-reinforced fly-ash concrete
comprised of 3 stages: it back to the computer.
Once the data is gathered panel, 3 on the inside of the chamber, and 3 on the • Aerated fly-ash Concrete
1. Retrofit an existing structure for testing the panels. • Insulated Panel with fly-ash concrete
in the computer it is main interior. However, the capability for running
2. Assemble and configure data-logging equipment for calculated and put into more thermocouples exists for the future. The information from these experiments can
structure. graphs that make it easier make headway in implementing fly-ash in
3. Develop the structure into a pleasing design, to read as well as concrete for the future. With the thermal data on
suitable for the public eye. organize. fly-ash concrete the restraints of structure vs.
Type T: Thermocouple
thermal can be refined. By narrowing those
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ Courtesy UC/CITRIS (copper–constantan) restraints we can eliminate waste. It takes being
informed about a product to make the most
This poster was prepared in partial fulfillment of SUST 4103 Sustainability Capstone accurate decision. By providing this information
we may increase the implementation and use of
fly-ash therefore resulting in less waste, less
pollution due OPC production, and a better
environment.