How to achive sustainable concrete - Dissertation Example

Therefore, all human activities should be sustainable such that they ensure correct use of the resources available (without waste) as well as ensuring that the environment is conserved. One such activity that should be sustainable in nature is the production and use of concrete. Concrete has been one of the most important materials in the construction and infrastructure industry for more than 2000 years now (Cement Association of Canada 2004). It has also been considered as an environmental friendly material (Cement Association of Canada 2004).

In addition, structures made of concrete are normally durable, dependable and their performance in terms of are usually superior (Cement Association of Canada 2004). The question that now arises is how sustainable concrete is. As compared to steel and aluminium, concrete structures are flexible in design, affordability and environmental friendliness (Cement Association of Canada 2004). . The research also aims at identifying how certain components of concrete such as cement and aggregate are not sustainable and suggesting ways of making them sustainable.

The research will also discuss how these components of concentrate can be made sustainable. 3. PROBLEM STATEMENT Just as earlier mentioned, concrete has been used for construction material since time in memorial, and is considered as one of the most sustainable construction raw materials. It is however, noted that even though it is sustainable some of its aspects such as production of one of its major components, cement, is questionable. Therefore, what is a sustanaible development or product? 3.1 Sustainability In general, sustainability can be taken to mean supporting or keeping a process going.

Therefore, the main aim of ensuring that projects, products and processes sustainable is to ensure that all the lives in our plat earth are sustained for a future that is foreseeable. Sustainability is consists of three components; society, environment and economy. Therefore, a sustainable project, process or product must ensure that all the three components of sustainability (society, environment and economy) are maintained balanced and healthy at all times (both now and in future). 3.1.1 Evironmental sustainability It is the destruction of the environment that is driving the world towards adoption of sustainable ways of doing things.

Our environment has been deteriorated countless times by countless causes such that the quality of life in the planet both now and in future is questionable. For example, environmental degradation has been blamed for poor health of planet earth and the constant decline of biodiversity. This is