Influence of microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) on the chloride ion diffusivity of concretes exposed to Freeze-thaw cycles: Insights from multiscale numerical simulations

Abstract

Use of phase change materials (PCMs) to tailor the thermal performance of concretes by efficient energy storage and transmission has gained traction in recent years. This study incorporates microencapsulated PCMs as sand-replacement in concrete bridge decks and performs numerical simulation involving multiple interactive length scales to elucidate the influence of PCM-incorporation in concretes subjected to combined freeze-thaw and chloride ingress-induced deterioration. The simulations show significant increase in durability against combined freeze-thaw and chloride ingress-induced deterioration in concretes when microencapsulated PCMs are incorporated. In addition, a reliability-based probabilistic analysis shows significant increase in life expectancy of bridge decks with PCM-incorporation. The numerical approach presented here provides efficient means to develop design strategies to tune dosage and transition temperature of PCMs to maximize durability of concrete structures in regions that experience significant winter weather conditions.

Reviewing the Potential of Phase Change Materials in Concrete Pavements for Anti-Freezing Capabilities and Urban Heat Island Mitigation

“…In real-world conditions, a multitude of factors influence pavement surface temperature when PCMs are applied. For a more realistic depiction of surface temperature fluctuations with and without PCM, refer to the findings of Nayak et al [155], Yeon [100], and Somani and Gaur [103]. Furthermore, it is crucial to note that the surface temperature difference presented in Table A1 reflects the maximum disparity between the surface temperatures of concrete with and without phase change material (PCM).…”

Incorporation of Phase Change Materials in Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

“…As mentioned, the basic criterion that makes a PCM suitable or unsuitable for a particular application is the transition point. For example, to improve the indoor climate of a building would require PCM with a melting point of 24 o C while to reduce the annual freeze -thaw cycles of a bridge deck in cold climates would require a PCM with a transition temperature of 5 o C [12][13][14][15][16]. Latent heat of fusion, physical properties, stability, toxicity and economy constitute also important criteria.…”