The forests of gleaming skyscrapers rising from most world urban centers today may be a symbol of modern human technological innovation and ingenuity, but some materials used in their construction are nearly as old as civilization itself. Roman structures built almost entirely from cement and aggregates are still standing two thousand years later. Builders today hope to achieve similar longevity using more 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.
Rock is by definition natural, but the cement slurry is not. Portland cement was invented during the Industrial Revolution, and is also used today in mortar, grout, and other products. For humans it is physically harmful, and skin contact can result in burns. It contains toxic chromium and silica, and the manufacturing process cannot be considered ecologically friendly because of high carbon discharges.
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.
Cement production can also result in water pollution, and proper disposal methods are important and necessary to protect the environment. Even though they are made of rock, aggregates do not naturally break down, and need to be pre-processed by machine before dispersion. When it does deteriorate, construction must be reinforced with strong, new material, or else pulled down. Recycling is gaining ground, and demolished, crushed aggregate is commonly used in highway improvement.
As is the case with many useful industrial applications, achieving a carbon-negative method of manufacturing is possible, but very expensive. The heaviest users of this building material are developing nations, who can least afford additional built-in costs. For many builders, making the best and most intelligent use of this material is as important environmentally as upgrading the manufacturing process.
Using concrete manufactured locally eliminates costly and high-emissions transportation, although what constitutes local is still debated. The substance can be an energy-efficient asset by creating a thermal mass, or large solid body that retains both heat or cold, which helps regulate interior temperatures throughout the day. While cities typically are hotter than countryside, aggregate surfaces can reflect sunlight and slightly reduce the heat index.
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.
Rock is by definition natural, but the cement slurry is not. Portland cement was invented during the Industrial Revolution, and is also used today in mortar, grout, and other products. For humans it is physically harmful, and skin contact can result in burns. It contains toxic chromium and silica, and the manufacturing process cannot be considered ecologically friendly because of high carbon discharges.
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.
Cement production can also result in water pollution, and proper disposal methods are important and necessary to protect the environment. Even though they are made of rock, aggregates do not naturally break down, and need to be pre-processed by machine before dispersion. When it does deteriorate, construction must be reinforced with strong, new material, or else pulled down. Recycling is gaining ground, and demolished, crushed aggregate is commonly used in highway improvement.
As is the case with many useful industrial applications, achieving a carbon-negative method of manufacturing is possible, but very expensive. The heaviest users of this building material are developing nations, who can least afford additional built-in costs. For many builders, making the best and most intelligent use of this material is as important environmentally as upgrading the manufacturing process.
Using concrete manufactured locally eliminates costly and high-emissions transportation, although what constitutes local is still debated. The substance can be an energy-efficient asset by creating a thermal mass, or large solid body that retains both heat or cold, which helps regulate interior temperatures throughout the day. While cities typically are hotter than countryside, aggregate surfaces can reflect sunlight and slightly reduce the heat index.
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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