Cement and concrete are used extensively in the construction of homes, buildings, and other structures these days. However, the production of cement contributes nearly 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions annually, making it a highly contaminating material. Additionally, tons of cardboard and paper are discarded during this time without being given another chance at life.
To find a more sustainable solution, a team of researchers from RMIT University in Australia pondered whether it would be possible to construct structures using mostly pre-existing materials rather than cement. They used cardboard and earth, two very common materials, to answer this question. These concepts resulted in the creation of two new cement-free building materials that are less contaminating, more durable, and less expensive.
Both of the produced materials are based on rammed earth, which is soil that has been compacted and compressed with a small amount of water. What envelops the earth is what distinguishes the two materials:
– Recycled cardboard tubes filled with rammed earth
– Rammed earth within tubes made of carbon fiber
The use of no cement is crucial in both situations. Reducing the environmental impact without sacrificing resistance is the primary objective.
Earthen construction is nothing new. Rammed earth construction has been used for centuries by many cultures, and it has the significant benefit of assisting in the maintenance of constant interior temperatures. This means that homes don’t need to use a lot of energy for heating or air conditioning to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But as time went on, concrete and cement became nearly the only materials used in modern construction, leaving earth behind.
Today, this concept is resurfacing because of climate change. Like cement, earth is a naturally occurring resource that is found practically everywhere and doesn’t require any contaminating industrial processes. However, the problem with earth is that it can break if it bears too much weight by itself. By putting the earth inside a tube, which functions as a structural “jacket” to stop the earth from expanding and cracking, the researchers were able to solve this problem. This strengthens the soil without the use of cement.
Compacted soil, water, and recycled cardboard tubes are used in the first material, which is intended for small-scale projects like short-height homes. In addition to serving as the structure, the cardboard also serves as the mold. Even when compared to cement-mixed earth, the end product is a surprising material that is stable and strong.
Most significantly, compared to conventional concrete with cement, it has an 80% lower carbon footprint.
Carbon fiber tubes are used in place of cardboard in the second material. Because of its reputation for being strong and lightweight, carbon fiber is utilized in high-tech automobiles and airplanes. Thus, when paired with rammed earth, the end product is a column that is nearly as sturdy as premium cement-based concrete, but it weighs less and has a smaller environmental effect.
This material would be helpful in areas that need to be strong but lightweight, such as those that are prone to earthquakes. It is more costly than using cardboard, but as you can see, the results are excellent, BrandSpur news brand reports.
The initial findings are extremely encouraging, but more study is required to fully comprehend how these materials behave over many years. These developments demonstrate that we can use natural materials and lessen the pollution that comes from the production of cement to build responsibly.
