Numerical simulation for analyzing the thermal improving effect of evaporative cooling urban surfaces on the urban built environment

► We model two evaporative cooling strategies with ability to cool urban surfaces. ► The proposed pavement model is validated using the experimental data. ► The proposed models are integrated into a 3D-CAD-based thermal simulation tool. ► A case study is carried out to demonstrate the applicability of the developed method. ► The thermal improving effects can be quantified in terms of surface temperatures.