| Description |
The air pollution inversions in the mountain west are a societal problem that require a large-scale solution. With the more stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations established in 2010, and the recent discovery of the photocatalytic pollution reduction capabilities of titanium dioxide (TiO2), interest has developed to create pollution-reducing construction materials. Over the last decade, a number of laboratory studies have been performed and a few field studies have occurred around the world. There are commercially available photocatalytic materials that can be used in concrete construction; however, the materials are often cost prohibitive. This study investigated both practical application techniques and the effects of the climatic environment around the specimens. When concrete specimens were exposed to the weather for 120-days, the specimen's photocatalytic efficiency decreased significantly. Rejuvenation methods were investigated; however, no methods tested were able to increase the photocatalytic efficiency of the specimens to preweathered condition. The final element of this study focused on identifying practical and cost-effective methods of adding TiO2 to current production methods by working with a local precast manufacturer. This research is a stepping stone to develop methodologies to minimize the decline of photocatalytic efficiency due to the exposure to the environment. This element is critical in understanding this complex technology and identifying problems that need to be addressed before products are ready for widespread use. |
