Green Concrete: Application, Advantages & Disadvantages

PUBLISHED BY DUCON INDUSTRIES | JANUARY 24 2024

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Green concrete is a new construction material that can reduce the dependency on cement, natural gas, and diesel. The resulting product is eco-friendly, environment friendly, and performs better than other conventional concrete mixtures. It is best known as a natural building material that promotes construction sustainability. Read on as we put forth the applications, advantages, and disadvantages of green concrete.

Applications of Green Concrete

Green concrete, also known as Eco-concrete, is a concrete that uses recycled or sustainable resources in its manufacturing process. It has been used for many years as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional concrete.

Green concrete is being used more frequently than ever before. The uses of green concrete are endless, but here are some of the most common applications:

Roads and streets: Green concrete can be used on roads and streets to help manage storm water runoff and prevent erosion.

Building foundations: Green concrete can help with groundwater management and reduce flooding damage caused by surface water runoff.

Waterproofing: Green concrete can be applied on walls, floors, or roofs for waterproofing applications that meet or exceed industry standards for waterproofing.

Sealants: Green concrete can be sealed with sealers when used on interior surfaces that require long-term protection from weathering effects such as rusting or corrosion.

Advantages of Green Concrete

1. Environmental Friendly

Green Concrete has greater strength and durability than normal concrete. The technology is developed in a manner to reduce the CO2 emission related to concrete production, which in effect benefits the construction industry through its massive environmental impact. Green concrete is a blend of cement, sand, pebbles, and other aggregates, which are all eco-friendly. It has zero environmental impact and releases no carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when produced. The wear and tear on the environment are also reduced because green concrete does not require any form of energy to produce it. This makes green concrete ideal for large-scale construction projects, for example, public buildings, sports complexes, and schools.

2. Health Benefits of Concrete

Concrete is one of the safest building materials in the world because it does not emit any harmful chemicals when exposed to heat or sunlight. As other natural materials do, it also stands up to wear and tear without breaking down over time. The only toxins that can leach into the concrete are those contained in the aggregate used to make it (sand, gravel, etc.).

3. Cost Effective

Concrete is very cost-effective because it requires no special tools or equipment to mix or place into the ground. This makes it much more affordable than other materials like metal or wood. If you buy rebar for your project, you will also have to pay for labour costs. The cost of concrete will depend on the size of your project and what kind of concrete you choose to use, but it will still be less expensive than wood or metal options.

4. Durable and Long Lasting

Concrete is a durable material that can last for years, but adding chemicals and fillers can compromise the quality of your concrete. These additives can cause problems such as discolouration or cracking.

Green concrete is made with eco-friendly materials that don’t contain any harmful chemicals or fillers. Green concrete is durable and long-lasting, making it a great option for home and commercial projects.

Disadvantages of Green Concrete

• It requires more labour and time to mix, which can be a problem in large construction projects.
• The cost is higher than regular cement concrete because of the need to use more aggregate in the mix and for the use of a more expensive Portland cement with low magnesium content (for better strength).
• To increase the longevity of the concrete mixture, it is sometimes mixed with sand instead of silica fume, which makes it slower setting and easier to work and reduces its durability.

Let’s Wrap Up

Ducon Industries is a leading supplier of green concrete materials in the UAE. We strive to create a greener environment by providing sustainable solutions free from harmful chemicals and offering an alternative to traditional concrete products. Our products are manufactured with the highest quality raw materials and comply with international standards for sustainability.