What’s in this guide, What is the purpose of rebar in concrete? What are deformed…
What is the Future of Concrete?
Concrete is one of the world’s top construction materials. It will definitely continue that status long into the future.
But its production and application are likely to change – very much for the better.
As Auckland’s leading provider of Concrete Services and Steel Reinforcing Supplies, we constantly keep up to date with the latest technology and practices within the industry.
So we put together this guide with 6 of the top trends in concrete technology we recommend you watch out for in 2022.
Here’s what this guide covers;
– 3D concrete printing
– Self-monitoring concrete that stores electric energy
– Knitting concrete
– Achieving Net Zero
– Clinker substitutes
– Self-healing concrete
How is concrete becoming more sustainable?
A world leader in the improvement of concrete’s environmental sustainability is the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). This major industry group is coordinating an industry initiative called Net Zero. Its aim is to achieve carbon-neutral concrete by 2050, in line with global climate goals.
As CO² emissions have become a significant factor in climate change, world governments have set goals to lower them substantially.
This is why major industry organisations like the GCCA have set reduction targets.
It is estimated that the worldwide cement and concrete industry is responsible for around 7% of annual CO² emissions.
Estimates vary but 7% is widely accepted as a realistic benchmark.
The protection of our environment and lifestyles makes it essential to improve the environmental sustainability of concrete.
Future concrete development will also focus on minimising cost increases.
And much of the research underway is looking at possible means to strengthen concrete, especially in complex structures. This includes seismic resilience.
Quality Steel Supplies and our sister company, Quality Concrete Services, support these moves towards greener concrete. Our Auckland concrete services focus on sustainability and reducing our environmental impact through recycling materials.
Our steel reinforcing and concrete services will evolve with the tested and approved innovations of the future.
That future is not far off. Already several new sustainable possibilities are being put into effect.
Other innovations are the subject of further research and testing.
A prime challenge is to gain acceptance from regulators and specifiers for innovative technology. This is steadily being overcome by groups such as the GCCA.
For more info on the Net Zero Concrete project, read GCCA’s 2050 Cement and Concrete Industry Roadmap
What is the new technology in concrete?
1. 3D concrete printing
Several initiatives are underway around the world to develop 3D concrete printing technologies. One venture is here in New Zealand, at the University of Canterbury, where a research team is refining low-carbon solutions for 3D-printed homes. A machine has been built to 3D print concrete walls by extrusion.
Both undergraduate and postgraduate students are involved.
Further research aims include using sustainable materials such as mussel shell waste.
Reduction of CO² and improved seismic resilience are also priorities.
For more information on the research project, visit the University of Canterbury’s website.
2. Self-monitoring concrete that stores electric energy
In recent years researchers at Lancaster University in Britain have developed a ‘smart concrete’ mix that tests suggest can store electrical energy and monitor its own structural health. The potassium-geopolymetric composites in this mix are known as KGP, and are easy to produce.
Conductivity is achieved by potassium ions ‘hopping’ through the crystalline structure.
The research team is conducting further studies.
Want to know what sustainable concrete mixes are available in Auckland?
3. Knitting concrete
International research agencies and others have been developing a knitted formwork system.
A team funded by the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research has combined 3D-knitted technical textiles with special cement paste coatings.
This provides a lightweight stay-in-place formwork. Strength is built up by gradually applying thin layers of concrete.
Researchers say the combination saves on materials, labour and cost.
Ongoing research includes tailoring of material properties and production of spacer fabrics and rib stiffeners.
The knitted concrete would also include inlaid elements as reinforcement or further functionalisation.
For more information on the research project click here.
4. Achieving Net Zero
You’ll hear a lot about Net Zero in the next few years. It is part of the worldwide drive to lower CO² emissions.
The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has created a ‘roadmap accelerator’ program to help achieve this. This accelerator aims to identify local barriers to decarbonisation.
The industry wants to work with policymakers and engage financial institutions.
Such initiatives will contribute toward financing projects and updating national regulations.
GCCA encourages collaboration between its members to facilitate research and practical application.
It runs global innovation programs under its Innovandi platform. These are structured to unlock new technologies.
For more information on the research project, visit The Global Cement and Concrete Association site.
5. Clinker substitutes
The GCCA is also coordinating clinker substitute innovations – These can be industrial by-products that would otherwise be waste.
Clinker is the element within cement responsible for much of its cost and carbon emissions.
Reducing clinker content is a win-win. Using industrial by-products also assists in further developing the circular economy.
6. Self-healing concrete
Another step on the pathway to the future is self-healing concrete. Dutch company Basilisk has created innovative products and systems in this field.
Its technology is based on micro-organisms which produce limestone. This allows the crack formation to be repaired without outside assistance.
The company claims concrete durability is “greatly improved”.
Currently cracks up to 1mm can be repaired but further development could extend this.
Do you need to talk to a concrete specialist?
It’s helpful to learn more about the latest technology in concrete, but sometimes you need to discuss your project with a specialist.
We are Auckland’s concrete experts. If you have questions about the best concrete solutions for you, call Troy on 022 673 9877 or Jackson on 021 977 44 4.
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