Concrete recycling is another way of reducing the environmental impacts of the material.
building materials, which may include adaptations to building codes and providing subsidies.
Innovations in concrete – the alternative Concrete is the most used man-made material in the world with twice as much concrete used in construction than wood, steel, plastic and aluminum combined. Although concrete has acquired a negative image due to environmental impacts that occur at various stages of its production, sustainable use of concrete is possible by using alternative stablisers and construction techniques and restricting usage to certain building parts. Given that the use of concrete is not likely to decline, it is important that more sustainable techniques of using concrete continue to be researched and promoted.
Research into more sustainable concrete manufacture and construction is essential as worldwide demand for and usage of concrete increases. Alternative methods of reinforcing concrete can enhance its performance in a variety of areas. Of particular interest is Ferrocement construction, which involves reinforcing concrete with wire-mesh and narrow rebar, and can be used to make wall panels, ceiling and floor slabs and roofs. The advantages of Ferro-cement construction are that it is possible to build thinner walls and slabs, which are lighter and can be assembled by just a few of workers. Ferro-cement components can be manufactured in informal settings at low-cost and may be a good option for relief housing due to its flexural strength and lighter weight.
Concrete recycling is another way of reducing the environmental impacts of the material. Recycling concrete takes the aggregate left when buildings and other concrete structures such as roadways, highways and sidewalks are demolished, and uses it to replace natural aggregates like stone, sand and gravel. The advantages of using recycled concrete aggregate are that it is lighter weight and produces a higher yield per unit weight, reduces landfill waste, and often outperforms natural aggregates in concrete products.
Earth Materials Adobe and rammed earth constructions house approximately one-fifth of the world’ s population. As a building material, earth is natural, recyclable, generally abundant and requires little energy to extract and prepare for use in construction. Earthen structures can be erected quickly, are inexpensive, and have natural resistance to fire and insects. Compared to concrete, earth materials also have low-environmental impact, very low-embodied energy and good insulation for heat and sound. Since many regions have a tradition of earthen architecture, promoting and preserving earth structures has great potential to sustain cultural heritage.
Building with cob, rammed earth and adobe all present similar benefits, considerations and
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