Concrete recycling is another way of reducing the environmental impacts of the material .
building materials , which may include adaptations to building codes and providing subsidies .
Innovations in concrete – the alternative Concrete is the most used man-made material in the world with twice as much concrete used in construction than wood , steel , plastic and aluminum combined . Although concrete has acquired a negative image due to environmental impacts that occur at various stages of its production , sustainable use of concrete is possible by using alternative stablisers and construction techniques and restricting usage to certain building parts . Given that the use of concrete is not likely to decline , it is important that more sustainable techniques of using concrete continue to be researched and promoted .
Research into more sustainable concrete manufacture and construction is essential as worldwide demand for and usage of concrete increases . Alternative methods of reinforcing concrete can enhance its performance in a variety of areas . Of particular interest is Ferrocement construction , which involves reinforcing concrete with wire-mesh and narrow rebar , and can be used to make wall panels , ceiling and floor slabs and roofs . The advantages of Ferro-cement construction are that it is possible to build thinner walls and slabs , which are lighter and can be assembled by just a few of workers . Ferro-cement components can be manufactured in informal settings at low-cost and may be a good option for relief housing due to its flexural strength and lighter weight .
Concrete recycling is another way of reducing the environmental impacts of the material . Recycling concrete takes the aggregate left when buildings and other concrete structures such as roadways , highways and sidewalks are demolished , and uses it to replace natural aggregates like stone , sand and gravel . The advantages of using recycled concrete aggregate are that it is lighter weight and produces a higher yield per unit weight , reduces landfill waste , and often outperforms natural aggregates in concrete products .
Earth Materials Adobe and rammed earth constructions house approximately one-fifth of the world ’ s population . As a building material , earth is natural , recyclable , generally abundant and requires little energy to extract and prepare for use in construction . Earthen structures can be erected quickly , are inexpensive , and have natural resistance to fire and insects . Compared to concrete , earth materials also have low-environmental impact , very low-embodied energy and good insulation for heat and sound . Since many regions have a tradition of earthen architecture , promoting and preserving earth structures has great potential to sustain cultural heritage .
Building with cob , rammed earth and adobe all present similar benefits , considerations and
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