Civils & Soft Landscaping
FLY ASH
A truly sustainable
product
2014 looks promising and - finally the construction sector is enjoying a
resurgence, but let’s make sure economic
growth is based on true sustainability,
says Dr Robert Carroll from the UK
Quality Ash Association (UKQAA).
It’s been a long time coming, but 2013
was a period of gradual recovery for the
construction sector. Now, three months
into 2014, progress continues and the
sector is beginning to show real signs of
growth and not simply limited to London
and the South East.
However, growth brings with it new
challenges and opportunities. Despite
an improving economy, the construction
sector continues to grapple with huge
issues, such as the skills shortage,
implementing new technology - such as
BIM - tough client targets, and achieving
environmental excellence in a period
when costs remain tight. The last point
in particular continues to drive the sector
and material choice is one of the chief
factors in determining environmental
performance.
Today the use of concrete far outstrips wood, glass and steel, but is
perceived to have poor environmental performance. Some of this is true,
the concrete and cement industries account for a significant amount of
global CO2 emissions - higher even than the aviation sector. However,
concrete remains a remarkably durable, long-lasting and cost-effective
construction material. As a result, clients, designers and specifiers are
turning to more sustainable forms of concrete and cement, and fly ash sometimes called Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) - is fulfilling their needs.
Created as a result of the combustion process used at coal-fired power
stations, fly ash is a very fine and consistent material that can be used
in a number of applications - such as within cement or concrete, as
an engineering fill and in grouting. It’s also a secondary material that
can be used as an alternative to quarried raw materials and provides
environmental benefits. When used in cement and concrete fly ash can
significantly improve BREEAM ratings and reduce the overall embodied
carbon emissions of a building.
There’s no trade off in quality or durability; in fact , the use of fly ash
can offer significant advantages to concrete. For example, it requires
less water in the mixing process, making it more workable, and is often
used to create smoother lines and sharper corners. It is also less prone
to cracking and can be used underwater, where its relative strength and
resistance to water corrosion offer real opportunities.
Material choice is one of the greatest challenges the construction sector
faces today and plays a role in everything from cost to sustainability.
Making the right decisions about material now - as the industry begins
to experience growth again - will be critical and demonstrate real
leadership and innovation in this period of change.
UK QUALITY ASH ASSOCIATION
TEL: 01902 373365
WWW.UKQAA.ORG.UK
READER ENQUIRY NO: 11
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