Researchers Develop a Sustainable Concrete by Substituting Natural Fibers and Components From Various Waste Streams for Synthetic Reinforcing Elements

A multinational research team is laying the groundwork for more sustainable concrete by substituting synthetic reinforcing components with natural fibers and materials derived from various waste streams.

The most recent study shows how geopolymers reinforced with renewable natural fibers and made with industrial by-products and waste-based sands from lead smelting or glass-making can match the strength, durability, and drying shrinkage qualities of those containing natural sand, which consumes more raw materials and emits more emissions during processing.

Sustainable concrete cuts emissions and uses waste for better buildings

(Photo : Jez Timms/Unsplash)

With 25 billion tonnes used each year, conventional concrete is the most frequently used construction material.

It uses around 30% of nonrenewable natural resources, emits approximately 8% of atmospheric greenhouse gases, and accounts for up to 50% of landfill, as per ScienceDaily.

According to lead researcher Dr. Aliakbar Gholampour of Flinders University's civil and structural engineering department, the promising findings have significant potential for the use of natural fibers in the development of structural-grade construction materials in which binder and aggregate are replaced by industrial by-products and waste-based materials.

Geopolymers made from waste glass sand have higher strength and lower water absorption than those made from natural river sand, whereas lead smelter slag (LSS)-based geopolymers have lower drying shrinkage than geopolymers made from natural river sand.

Natural fibers, such as ramie, sisal, hemp, coir, jute, and bamboo were also used in the tests.

Geopolymers containing 1% ramie, hemp, and bamboo fiber - and 2% ramie fiber - had stronger compressive and tensile strength and lower drying shrinkage than unreinforced geopolymers, with 1% ramie fiber having the best strength and lowest drying shrinkage.

The new Australian-led study, published in the journal Construction and Building Materials, contributes to worldwide efforts to reduce the environmental effect of conventional building materials production and waste-to-landfill volumes.

"We can not only recycle massive amounts of industrial byproducts and waste materials, including concrete aggregates, to improve the mechanical and durability properties of concrete, but we can also use alternative eco-friendly natural fibers that would otherwise not be used constructively," according to Dr. Gholampour.

This study will also investigate designing blends of recycled coarse aggregates and other cellulosic fibers, such as water paper, for various construction and building purposes.

In the future, we intend to examine their applicability in building 3D printing.

Also Read: Natural 'Grown' Bricks Could Revolutionize Disaster Relief

The Benefits Of Using Reclaimed Bricks

One of the most significant advantages of utilizing reused bricks is that they are ecologically beneficial, as per London Reclaimed Brick Merchants.

The building sector in the United Kingdom contributes significantly to national waste and carbon emissions.

These emissions can be caused by the extraction, production, manufacture, and transportation of construction materials.

However, because reused bricks are pre-made, you may avoid most of this negative environmental impact.

Reclaimed bricks are also an environmentally good alternative because they are a kind of unprocessed recycling.

Not only would their usage minimize the wasteful manufacturing of new materials and emissions, but it will also reduce landfill trash.

Many demolished construction materials are discarded; however, by reusing these bricks, you may assist to eliminate this unneeded source of trash.

Using salvaged materials in your project may be an excellent way to add character and uniqueness.

These materials may help you achieve a one-of-a-kind finish, allowing you to design a genuinely distinctive structure.

The range of textures and tones available with salvaged bricks are likely to offer an appealing and eye-catching finish for people with an appreciation for history, whether used for an internal feature wall, expansion, or pavement.

Costs, particularly in larger-scale construction, can be a key worry for project feasibility. As a result, wherever feasible, look for attractive offers and lower-cost materials without sacrificing quality.

Using recycled bricks is a wonderful way to cut costs on your project. These bricks do not have the related production expenditures that new materials do, allowing pricing to remain cheap.

Furthermore, you don't have to sacrifice quality because recycled brick merchants may still provide high-grade materials, including special heritage materials.