Shaded pavements in the urban environment – a case study

This article presents a study on the surface temperature of three types of pavements in urban environments with and without vegetation, located in the city of Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Some of the assessed pavements are exposed to direct sunlight, and some others are in the shade. We estimate the reduction of their surface temperature when shaded by trees. The method used was numerical modeling, including verification measurements. The pavement made from open cell concrete blocks filled with vegetation had a thermal performance similar to the grass, making it an ideal surface for use in adjacent areas to passages (street side and adjacent sidewalk). The shading influence of the dense canopy trees on the surface temperature of the floor exposed to solar radiation in summer was significant, 9°C and 10°C. Its use is recommended in urban environments.