Search

Among the different photocatalytic solutions available on the market, i.active® cements by Italcementi Group are the most common raw materials currently utilized for the manufacturing of building products possessing an added value in terms of sustainability and durability. One of the main purposes for their use is to reduce pollution, in order to improve the air quality in urban environments. Another environmental advantage in their use is in terms of mitigation of urban heat island effects. Currently, photocatalyctic cements are commercially available in Europe, North America, North Africa and India. Several million square meters of photocatalytic cement-based surfaces, have already been applied, and this number is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. In this framework, photocatalytic cementitious roads and pavements represent the widest application for the improvement of air quality in urban environment. This paper gives an overview of the product performances to help engineers to choose and design sustainable and durable paved surfaces that typically represent from 30% to 60% o f developed urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]