Plastic, a material of concern due to its non-biodegradable nature, poses a significant environmental impact. It’s important to note that only a mere 9% of produced plastic can be recycled.
Innovations suggest employing recyclable plastic in building facades and structures. This practice not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also alleviates plastic-clogged landfills.
Recycled plastic can replace up to 20% of aggregate in concrete. Concrete blocks filled with recycled plastic are notably lighter than their conventional counterparts. While ideal for small-scale construction, they may not be suitable for taller structures.
Advantages of using recycled plastic as a concrete alternative include its high versatility and resistance to impact, water, and chemicals. Additionally, production costs are lower, and it possesses excellent electrical insulation and thermal properties. However, it’s worth noting that plastic has a low melting point.
Ashcrete primarily utilizes Fly Ash, a by-product of coal combustion once disposed of in the ground. However, innovations have repurposed this material, giving it a significant role in green concrete manufacturing.
Ashcrete serves as a concrete alternative in modern construction, effectively reducing the greenhouse effect. It’s estimated that up to 25% of cement can be replaced with high-volume fly ash.
To achieve ashcrete’s strength and durability similar to conventional cement, fly ash is mixed with water and lime. Additionally, fly ash renders concrete resistant to alkali-silica reactivity.
Green concrete is an eco-friendly alternative manufactured from various waste or residual materials from different industries. Its production process consumes less energy compared to traditional concrete, resulting in lower carbon emissions.
The use of concrete alternatives like green concrete and ashcrete aims to reduce reliance on natural resources while promoting the use of recyclable materials. This approach fosters sustainability and eco-friendly construction practices.
Blast furnace slag, a by-product, finds its place as a concrete alternative in construction. It’s an environmentally friendly material that minimizes greenhouse gas emissions.
This slag takes the form of glassy granular material produced by rapidly cooling molten iron slag from the blast furnace using steam or water. It can replace 70-80% of cement, enhancing the durability and strength of concrete. Furthermore, the production process emits less heat.
Papercrete, derived from recycled waste paper, serves as an aggregate material in concrete mixtures. It doesn’t entirely replace cement but provides a solution to mitigate some harmful effects during concrete production.
While cost-effective, papercrete maintains good workability, allowing it to be molded into various shapes. Blocks made from papercrete are notably lightweight. However, it’s important to note that papercrete exhibits lower damp resistance and compressive strength compared to traditional concrete.
In numerous countries, bamboo has emerged as a replacement for steel, showcasing its potential as a concrete alternative. With attributes like tensile strength, lightweight nature, and rapid renewable growth, bamboo plays a pivotal role in framing buildings and shelters.
Glasscrete incorporates broken glass as a substitute for fine aggregates in concrete mixtures. This blend, comprising cement, coarse aggregate, and glass components, offers enhanced workability compared to natural sand. The inclusion of glass also contributes to improved durability and efficiency.
Hempcrete, crafted from the woody inner fiber of the hemp plant, involves binding hemp fibers with lime to create concrete-like structures that are both lighter and stronger. This material stands out for its super lightweight nature and the fact that hemp is a continuously renewable resource.
Micro silica, also known as Silica Fumes, is a by-product derived from ferrosilicon alloy and silicon production. This ultra-fine powder, when added to concrete mixtures, enhances durability by reducing porosity and increasing compressive strength.
Notably, micro silica is frequently employed in structures exposed to harsh conditions or chemicals, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional concrete. This material contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious construction approach.
