Concrete is a widely used building material that is favoured for all manner of projects due to it being extremely durable, inexpensive and readily available.
While concrete is on the surface the perfect material, it does have some issues. Working to make concrete more sustainable would help to create a building material that is great for us and great for the planet.
One way to improve sustainability In concrete production is to minimise the use of water. Water is a key component of concrete and while it cannot be replaced, there are ways to reduce the amount used.
This could be done by recycling excess water used in production as well as finding ways to reduce the amount needed in the actual mixture by using other alternative components.
Using alternative aggregates can help to make concrete better for the environment as it can reduce the amount of water used as well as reduce the use of resources that are harmful to the environment.
Using recycled resources as aggregate is a great way to boost sustainability. Recycled rubber is a great option and is readily available in the form of old, unused tires which are perfect due to being strong and durable.
Other alternatives include recycled plastic material or glass which are also durable, strong and abundant.
Cement is a key component of concrete however it comes with many issues. Powdered cement can be harmful both to us and the environment so substituting it for more friendly options is a great way to reduce its impact. Using recycled fly ash, which is a by-product of using coal to fuel power stations, is a great alternative to cement.
By making several small changes, concrete can remain the most versatile and usable building material we have while also being sustainable and eco-friendly.
For assistance with concrete repairs, contact Foreva Concrete Repairs today!