Flexible procedure for concreting in hot and dry climate based on Phase Change Material

Abstract

The article presents the possibilities of using a flexible approach in designing production processes in construction on an example of concreting in a hot and dry climate. The basic drawback of typical quality management system procedures is their rigidity. It is based on the assumption that building processes are carried out in favorable conditions. Meanwhile, these conditions often change to a large extent during the process, and the accuracy of weather forecasts is limited. The aim of the article is to demonstrate the advantages of flexibility procedures for concreting on the example of concrete modification with phase-change materials. The conducted research has shown a reduction in the risk of structure damage during maturing of young concrete due to the use of hybrid phase-change materials in the conditions of central Syria climate. Phase-change materials provide lowering of the thermal peak in the initial maturation period and unification of the temperature in the cross-section of the element (limitation of the thermal gradient). At the same time, PCM's slightly reduce the compressive/tensile strength of the concrete. As a result, this reduces the risk of cracking of the concrete element, which is the basis for ensuring greater durability of the element and a longer life cycle of the building.