NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of using white reflective concrete covering?

1. To enhance aesthetic appeal

2. To reduce temperature by reflecting sun's heat

3. To increase traction for vehicles

4. To improve visibility at night

The correct answer is: To reduce temperature by reflecting sun's heat

The main purpose of using white reflective concrete covering is to reduce temperature by reflecting the sun's heat. This type of concrete is designed with a high albedo, which means it can reflect a significant portion of solar radiation instead of absorbing it like darker surfaces do. In urban areas, where the heat generated by dark surfaces can contribute to the "urban heat island" effect, utilizing reflective concrete can help keep surface temperatures lower, which in turn can reduce energy consumption for cooling and mitigate local climate impacts. While enhancing aesthetic appeal can be a result of using certain colors or finishes, and improving visibility or increasing traction are important considerations in highway construction, the primary functional benefit of reflective concrete in this context revolves around thermal management.