EDITORIAL Construction
Using fibre in construction helps companies reduce carbon emissions, minimise energy consumption and cut waste, significantly lowering their environmental impact.
The benefits of fibre-enhanced concrete
Fibre-reinforced concrete offers a sustainable alternative to steel, reducing carbon emissions and waste. Chryso’ s Adfil fibre solutions enhance concrete performance, improving durability and structural integrity for a greener future.
In today’ s construction industry, the twin imperatives of sustainability and efficiency are driving transformative innovations. One such advancement making waves is the use of fibre in concrete, which replaces traditional steel reinforcement. This shift not only results in substantial time and labour savings, leading to significant cost efficiencies, but also plays a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint associated with construction projects.
Fibre-reinforced concrete minimises labour, time and waste, resulting in long-term savings for infrastructure projects.
Steel reinforcement, while indispensable for its strength and durability, has a significant environmental impact. The production of steel requires substantial energy consumption and emits considerable amounts of carbon dioxide( CO 2
). According to the World Steel Association, the steel industry accounts for approximately 8 % of global CO 2 emissions, making it a major contributor to climate change.
A sustainable alternative
Michelle Fick, Business Development Manager: Concrete Aesthetics at Chryso Southern Africa, notes that fibres, made from synthetic and natural materials, offer a far more sustainable alternative.“ Concrete containing fibres can be easily recycled and reused as crushed aggregates for other projects,” she explains.
The environmental benefits of this shift are substantial. Notably, the production of fibre materials, especially synthetic ones, generates significantly less CO 2 than steel production. Furthermore, fibre manufacturing requires considerably less energy.
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