The gleaming skyscraper towers that form modern urban centers are symbolic of human ingenuity and technological prowess, but the materials used to build those spires have existed since recorded civilization began. Many complex and beautiful Roman structures made from aggregate and cement mixtures still stand thousands of years later. Modern designers hope to achieve the same results by building with environmentally friendly concrete.
Although the concept of a using a benign building material that is somehow in sync with nature is mostly an advertising strategy, the idea is not a total exaggeration. The material most people call concrete is made from crushed bits of rock or old recycled aggregate, and the sizes and amount of this material varies according to formula. It is most commonly machine mixed into a watery paste containing portland cement and additives.
While the rock mixture itself is entirely natural, the binding cement is not. Also widely used in grout and mortar, portland cement originated during the Industrial Revolution. It is not a benign substance, and can cause serious skin burns. The silica and chromium used to make it are toxic, and the mining and manufacturing process are anything but eco-friendly, producing substantial carbon emissions.
Not only is excess carbon dioxide released, but certain kinds of chemicals are routinely added to bolster plasticity and improve other characteristics. Called admixtures, they shorten the setting and drying period, increase flexibility when cured, and use less water overall. Because they are necessary for modern construction methods, added chemicals include polymerics to increase tensile strength, plasticizers, setretarders, and aerators.
Production of cement increases the possibility of water pollution, and makes safe disposal of demolished material necessary. Although made mostly from natural rock, the substance does not naturally decompose, but must be broken into smaller chunks using machinery. Once it has deteriorated, it must either be reinforced with fresh material or torn down. Recycling is increasing, and a considerable amount of re-purposed material is used in highway construction.
Similar to many other potentially hazardous industrial processes, a carbon-negative production method is possible, but costly. Developing nations are currently the biggest users, and resist adding additional, built-in expenses to construction. For many companies, using this material intelligently and judiciously is just as important environmentally as improving inherently hazardous cement production methods.
Choosing locally produced concrete can reduce the cost and vehicle emissions that are the result of long-distance shipping to work-sites. In addition, these materials commonly create a thermal mass, or a sizable, solid mass that helps to retain cold and heat, helping to manage daily temperature fluctuations outdoors. Cities consistently record higher temperatures than rural areas, and aggregate can significantly reflect sunlight.
Longevity remains the greatest environmental benefit. Properly hardened material resists weathering and cracking, and can even be made more resistant to seismic shock. A structure designed to last decades may be initially more costly, but those expenses even out, making repairs and ultimately demolition more financially manageable. Improved cement production processes and advanced building design methods are helping to improve negative public opinion.
Although the concept of a using a benign building material that is somehow in sync with nature is mostly an advertising strategy, the idea is not a total exaggeration. The material most people call concrete is made from crushed bits of rock or old recycled aggregate, and the sizes and amount of this material varies according to formula. It is most commonly machine mixed into a watery paste containing portland cement and additives.
While the rock mixture itself is entirely natural, the binding cement is not. Also widely used in grout and mortar, portland cement originated during the Industrial Revolution. It is not a benign substance, and can cause serious skin burns. The silica and chromium used to make it are toxic, and the mining and manufacturing process are anything but eco-friendly, producing substantial carbon emissions.
Not only is excess carbon dioxide released, but certain kinds of chemicals are routinely added to bolster plasticity and improve other characteristics. Called admixtures, they shorten the setting and drying period, increase flexibility when cured, and use less water overall. Because they are necessary for modern construction methods, added chemicals include polymerics to increase tensile strength, plasticizers, setretarders, and aerators.
Production of cement increases the possibility of water pollution, and makes safe disposal of demolished material necessary. Although made mostly from natural rock, the substance does not naturally decompose, but must be broken into smaller chunks using machinery. Once it has deteriorated, it must either be reinforced with fresh material or torn down. Recycling is increasing, and a considerable amount of re-purposed material is used in highway construction.
Similar to many other potentially hazardous industrial processes, a carbon-negative production method is possible, but costly. Developing nations are currently the biggest users, and resist adding additional, built-in expenses to construction. For many companies, using this material intelligently and judiciously is just as important environmentally as improving inherently hazardous cement production methods.
Choosing locally produced concrete can reduce the cost and vehicle emissions that are the result of long-distance shipping to work-sites. In addition, these materials commonly create a thermal mass, or a sizable, solid mass that helps to retain cold and heat, helping to manage daily temperature fluctuations outdoors. Cities consistently record higher temperatures than rural areas, and aggregate can significantly reflect sunlight.
Longevity remains the greatest environmental benefit. Properly hardened material resists weathering and cracking, and can even be made more resistant to seismic shock. A structure designed to last decades may be initially more costly, but those expenses even out, making repairs and ultimately demolition more financially manageable. Improved cement production processes and advanced building design methods are helping to improve negative public opinion.
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