Top Sustainable Construction Materials to Build a Better Future
When discussing the future of construction, sustainability frequently emerges as a key topic. The construction industry ranks among the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), accounting for 37% of global emissions. A significant portion of these emissions stems from material production.
According to Auto Desk, also known as Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC), bendable concrete is a type of concrete that can withstand bending. Unlike conventional concrete, which is brittle and can easily crack or break, bendable concrete is 500 times more resistant to cracking and is more effective at absorbing shock.
This is because ECC contains small, polymer-derived fibers that increase the material’s ductility. While bendable concrete is made up of the same ingredients as its traditional counterpart, it’s these fibers that make ECC more flexible and durable.
Bendable concrete is also more sustainable. It can be infused with carbon dioxide, which strengthens the concrete while using less cement and lowering carbon emissions.
ECC’s ductility also decreases the financial and environmental costs of buildings. Whereas traditional concrete breaks easily and typically require repairs, bendable concrete can withstand higher amounts of pressure. This means it doesn’t have to be maintained or repaired as often, so builders spend less time, resources, and carbon output when using it.