Have scientists found an alternative to concrete? -Not found yet

(Have scientists found an alternative to concrete? -Not found yet)

Saltwater environment

While Florida's structures are protected from northern freeze/thaw cycles and Florida's bridges do not require the use of salt when removing snow, Florida faces other challenges. Ferraro (a civil engineering researcher at the University of Florida) said we have the largest corrosion laboratory in the world called the Florida Keys, so we have to design our structures more robustly to accommodate this high chloride environment.

However, salty seaside conditions do not automatically shorten the life of a structure. Ferraro evaluated the Miami Marine Stadium after Storm Andrew in 1992 and was amazed by what he found.

 

"I was amazed at the pristine condition of the steel, the steel underneath the concrete," said Ferraro, who pulled a sample of the stadium, which was strong before the hurricane hit, from a specimen on his office windowsill.

As an expert in hundreds of structural examinations, Ferraro claimed he's seen inadequate building methods that scare him and bad maintenance techniques that make him nervous. For the most part, the condition of a structure depends on its age and just how well it was developed and kept. Usually, he said, frameworks are sturdy, so age and maintenance are 2 significant factors in a framework's performance.

Materials and meteorites

As fly ash sources dwindle and the Earth's supply of materials for making cement dwindles, other sources of these minerals and metals are being investigated.

We have been discussing how to use meteorites or asteroids to obtain minerals from them. We're still a ways away from it, but part of my job is to look at science fiction and stop letting it be science fiction. Until we can catch a meteor and start off-terrestrial mining, we'll just have to figure out how to make materials on Earth more sustainable and durable.

Concrete is a climate change item because it is a carbon dioxide production point source. Limestone, a key ingredient in Portland cement, decarburizes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide when it is heated to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit in a kiln. The fuel used to heat cement and the release of carbon dioxide are both climate change concerns.

 

About 25% to 33% of all industrially produced carbon dioxide comes from the concrete industry. This feels like a massive number until you consider that concrete is the top building and construction product globally, not simply annually but also historically because of its invention.

Considering that we use so much and produce so little carbon dioxide, it's still relatively green.

Emissions could be reduced if Portland cement could be amended with other ingredients. Whenever we can reduce the amount of Portland cement that goes into the Portland cement concrete mix, we can do that.

America is responsible for 2% to 4% of all Portland cement production, while China is responsible for about 55%.

Infrastructure backbone

One thing that contributes to concrete's sustainability is its durability. Ferraro points out that once a structure is built, it generally lasts a long time. This is one reason concrete forms the backbone of the world's infrastructure, including the world's largest concrete structure, China's Three Gorges Dam.

The infrastructure ratings released annually by the American Society of Civil Engineers sometimes paint a bleak picture of the state of America's infrastructure. The 2021 transcript shows that a water main breaks every 2 minutes, 43% of highways are in bad or affordable problem, 42% of bridges are at least half a century old, and 7.5% have architectural shortages.

 

However, increased infrastructure spending will likely change that, with concrete structures – roads, runways, walkways, bridges, levees, seawalls, dams, and drainage systems – meaning more concrete. While concrete accounts for an estimated 8% of global emissions, structures built with concrete often last half a century or more.

Foaming agents play an important role in concrete.

Decrease the density of concrete: The frothing agent creates bubbles in the concrete, making the concrete lighter, minimizing the weight of the concrete and minimizing the structural load-bearing lots.

Boost the performance of concrete: Lathering representatives can alter the microstructure of concrete, boost its longevity, weathering resistance, rust resistance and various other homes, and improve the thermal insulation residential properties of concrete.

Saving raw materials: Due to the low density of concrete after foaming, a large amount of raw materials can be saved, thus reducing costs during the construction process.

Convenient construction: Because concrete is lighter after foaming, it is convenient for construction and speeds up the construction.

Supplier

TRUNNANO is a supplier of Concrete Foaming Agent, which is concrete and relative products with over 12 years experience in nano-building energy conservation and nanotechnology development. It accepts payment via Credit Card, T/T, West Union and Paypal. Trunnano will ship the goods to customers overseas through FedEx, DHL, by air, or by sea. If you are looking for high quality Concrete Foaming Agent, please feel free to contact us and send an inquiry. (sales@cabr-concrete.com).

 

(Have scientists found an alternative to concrete? -Not found yet)