According to groundbreaking research published in structural concrete, a new type of concrete is filled with microscopic bubbles that can completely change how buildings withstand earthquakes while greatly reducing the building’s carbon footprint.
The study examines seven-story residential buildings in Quito, a Quito that is prone to earthquakes in Ecuador, and the study shows that this innovative material, called honeycomb concrete, has significantly reduced the production of cement while maintaining structural integrity. This reduction leads to a significant reduction in energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions during manufacturing.
The authors of the study noted: “While promising to be a city with a development center, further research provides crucial research for sustainable building practices without compromising the safety of seismic areas.”
What makes honeycomb concrete unique is its production method: the manufacturer combines a foaming agent that creates tiny air pockets throughout the concrete matrix. This process not only reduces the density of the material, but also brings unexpected benefits in earthquake-prone areas – the overall weight loss of buildings means less destructive power in earthquake events.
This study has special significance for the construction industry, which currently makes a significant contribution to global environmental challenges. Traditional cement manufacturing alone accounts for about 4-8% of global CO2 emissions, making alternatives such as Cellular concrete increasingly attractive to developers and environmental scientists.
The detailed life cycle assessment of the study showed that reinforcement and specific production were the main sources of environmental impact, accounting for 97.9% of total emissions in the building and 97.8% of energy consumption. By adopting cellular concrete, builders can significantly reduce these environmental costs while potentially improving seismic safety.
For earthquake regions in developing countries, the study provides a potential path forward that can address safety and sustainability issues. The weight reduction of cellular concrete structures means that they experience less destructive power in earthquake events, while their production processes require less resources and generate less pollution.
The meaning goes beyond environmental interests. Research shows that the properties of cellular concrete may lead to more resilient infrastructure in seismic areas, potentially saving lives during earthquakes while contributing to global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of buildings.
As cities, especially in development centers, continue to grow and face pressure to build more and more securely sustainable and safely, this study provides important data for urban planners and construction companies in hopes of balancing environmental responsibilities. and structural integrity.
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