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Without concrete the landscape of Britain would be unrecognizable. Concrete is one of the most important resources in construction today, it is the most widely used construction material in the world because of the unparalleled versatility that allows it to be used in the building of just about anything. With concrete we are able to construct awe inspiring sky scrapers, ground breaking bridges, magnificent dams, humble pavements and everything in between, but what is it that makes ever-sturdy concrete so flexible in the world of construction?
Durability And Longevity
Concrete buildings have the ability to withstand the ravages of nature and time. Concrete is a remarkable substance that is completely flexible when freshly mixed (from cement, water and aggregates), and once it hardens it becomes an incredibly strong and durable material. It is its initial malleability that causes it to be the perfect substance for the building of such an expansive array of structures.
The strength of concrete, which increases over time, is what gives it the fantastic ability to withstand future changes and adaptions to structures. Concrete upper floors are able to support walls, meaning the walls below are saved from being load bearing, so the layout of a building can evolve with changing spatial requirements, creating buildings are both flexible and last for a lifetime. The longevity of concrete cannot be overstated; concrete structures such as the Coliseum in Rome have been standing for thousands of years and are in no danger of disappearing.
Sustainable Construction
Concrete is the most abundantly used material in construction, in the developed world it is estimated that around 60% of the built environment is concrete based, and as we move further towards a greener future every day it has never been more important. Concrete has the ability to be used in the construction of more energy efficient buildings because of its unbeatable thermal mass; this means that less energy is wasted in an attempt to produce heat from unsustainable sources.
The entire construction industry is placing greater focus on the three pillars of sustainability, environmental/economic/social, and the manufacture and use of concrete in building is playing a vital part. The innovators of the industry are developing manufacturing and design strategies that utilize concrete’s thermal prowess, placing a greater emphases on recycling and using industry bi-products in manufacture, and creating buildings that can be easily altered if their needs change to negate the need for them to be demolished.
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| FOB AT BARAPULLA: COMMONWEALTH GAMES-2010, NEW DELHI |
Utter Abundance
The European population spends an estimated 90% of their time within buildings, and these buildings each have their own specific purposes which require an abundance of concrete products. There are countless concrete products including cast in-situ, tilt-up, precast and masonry blocks as well as solid, cavity and composite walls that can aid in the construction of any kind of structure.
Obviously it’s imperative to choose the right concrete for your specific construction job. The abundance of concrete, as well as the constant innovation within the industry, means the importance of concrete will only gain momentum in years to come.
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