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It is widely use ofair-conditioning systems in Thailand due to its location. It is located in atropical zone with relatively high temperatures all year round, with highhumidity and high intensity of sunlight. In order to save electrical energy forair-conditioning systems, preventing heat transfer into the building isrequired. The objective of this study is to investigate the physical andthermal properties of concrete blocks. An attempt is made to increase heatresistance of concrete blocks. Foam beads (0-0.30% by weight) and kaolin (0-70% by weight) wereadded in concrete block mixture to increase discontinuous voids in concrete.Compressive strength and water absorption of concrete blocks were tested. Thetesting results indicated that compressive strength decreased when foam beadsand kaolin were added. Water absorption increased when foam beads were added.In contrast, the more kaolin added the less water absorption. The thermalconductivity coefficient of concrete blocks was also investigated. The resultsconfirmed that the higher the amount of foam beads or kaolin added, the higherthe thermal resistance of concrete blocks. Thermal time-lag behavior was alsoinvestigated. The results indicated that concrete block with kaolin took thelongest time in heating and took the shortest time in cooling. These propertiesare good for heat prevention in hot climate regions. These concrete blockswhich were developed and tested in this research conform to the Thai IndustrialStandard. Finally, it can be concluded that because of its thermal behavior,concrete block with kaolin is a suitable energy-saving concrete block for hotand humid climates. |
