Skin Temperature Distribution on Simulation Thermal Effects Under Construction Climate

Abstract

Global warming is bringing more frequent and severe heat waves. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable to heat risk due to the job culture in the outdoor environment. Unrestrained heat has extreme effects on skin temperature, which will lead to low performance and also results to injuries and fatalities. This study aims to investigate the distribution of skin surface temperature under seven different thermal conditions involving variations in temperature and relative humidity. The computational simulation models based on real construction climate were developed. Simulation results showed the highest heat index (a combination of temperature/relative humidity) is at 34 oC/92% and 38 oC/83% and fall under extreme danger category. At this level, the models were experienced high heat/sunstroke continuous exposure. This study also indicated that skin temperature has significantly influenced by the hot and humid environment. It is hoped that this study is able to provide guidance and reference to the industry, especially the construction sector by providing appropriate control measures to overcome the issue of heat risk among workers.