Assessing the thermal performance and financial viability of concrete-based construction systems in arid climates

This study evaluates the thermal performance and financial viability of various Concrete-based Construction Systems (CBCS) under arid climatic conditions, with an emphasis on a rooftop area of 144 square meters in Cairo’s hot-temperate climate. It compares the performance of commonly used systems such as solid slab, flat slab, wide module, and slab-and-beam systems. The study incorporates dynamic thermal parameters, including thermal admittance, window-to-wall ratio, thermal resistance, and U-value. These systems were simulated using Design-Builder software to determine their thermal performance, costs, and possible savings. The results emphasize the environmental and financial advantages of these systems, offering guidance for early-stage design choices. Among the systems examined, the wide module system, which uses hollow block slabs with inner columns to minimize loads and spans, emerged as the best choice. It provides better thermal performance and economic effectiveness, making it an ideal choice for buildings in arid climatic conditions. This study seeks to assist architects and structural engineers in choosing optimal construction systems in arid climates that combine performance, cost, and environmental issues.