The Reflectivity Coefficient of Concrete Surfaces within Urban Environment in Lafia Metropolis

Abstract:

The natural surface in the urban area around homes are being changed to concrete land surface for two reasons – to check erosion and water logging and for beautification of the areas. These changes most especially along court yards and frontages of buildings have serious effect on the micro climate regimes of the environment. The study is aimed at studying the reflectivity of concrete surface within urban environment in Lafia. The albedo was measured using solar albedometer for one year (Jan – Dec 2019) and the result show marked diurnal and seasonal variation in the magnitude of albedo over the concrete surface. The result shows a decrease in albedo within time from morning till late afternoon. Thereafter it begins to increase. This pattern was observed for all the season. The study concluded that the low reflectivity of the character concrete surface contributes immensely to the thermal character of the urban environment. Appropriate recommendations with regard to the above process were made.