Sustainability and Emerging Concrete Materials and Their Relevance to the Middle East

Abstract

Judicial use of cement coupled with the beneficial employment of certain so called 'industrial waste products' constitute the backbone of a sustainable concrete technology. The use of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), rice husk ash, condensed silica fume (CSF), metakaolin and recycled concrete, bricks and other materials are all gaining varying degrees of acceptance from engineers and the society. Careful design that considers long-term durability coupled with the use of 'waste' materials other than cement and natural aggregates can further enhance the sustainability of structures. High performance concrete (HPC) which is becoming the concrete of choice for rapidly emerging new and strong economies, can provide the opportunity for sustainable design and material use. The inclusion of industrial byproducts in the production of high-strength-high-performance concrete is a significant contribution to sustainable industry. As research publications abound with results showing benefits of certain materials whether from waste products or otherwise, it is the duty of the engineer to judge whether one or all of such materials should be used. A judgment, as this, needs to be based on the particular circumstances that dominate the building in question.

Volcanic Ash as a Sustainable Binder Material: An Extensive Review

“…Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is one of the most commonly used building materials for construction worldwide; it is also the most extensive manufactured product by mass on Earth. OPC is used in combination with water and aggregates and can also include chemical admixtures for the production of cement-based materials, such as concrete [ 1 , 2 ].…”

A mix design procedure for low calcium alkali activated fly ash-based concretes

“…As the construction industry continues its move towards the concept of sustainable development, geopolymer concrete (GPC) will eventually be used in several applications as an alternative for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete, whose continued use is confronted with environmental and energy intensity issues [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. However, for GPC to become a mainstream construction material efforts need to be directed towards developing easy-touse design methods; and of the highest priority is the formulation of a mix design process.…”

Sustainable construction and low-carbon dioxide concrete: Algeria case

“…The amount of carbon dioxide emission from the building industry accounts for about 47% of the total carbon dioxide emission in the UK (BIS, 2010). This was further highlighted recently when it was indicated that the level of carbon dioxide emission as contributed by the industry is not sustainable (Kayali et al, 2008). In addition, 77% of aluminium is traded across borders, producing more emissions as a result of the transport.…”