Building and Construction Materials - Concrete - Term Paper Example

Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 1.0 Introduction 2 2.0 Sustainable Construction materials 2 2.1 Planning scale 2 2.2 Steel/Metals 3 2.4 Trees 5 2.4.1 Softwoods 5 2.4.2 Hardwood 6 3.0 Deforestation and its environmental impacts 7 4.0 Conclusion 8 References 8 1.0 Introduction A sustainable construction material and practices can be said as one which includes adoption of materials and products in building and that will require less use of natural resources, and increase the reusability of such materials (Grober, 1999). Grober (1999) states that the same products will require same or similar purposes, thereby reducing waste as, well. Sustainable construction as stated by Hansen (2002) should be able to enhance the resilience of the industry as such and materials should be readily available in the market. Concrete, steel, glass and metals are just but a few examples of these renewable construction materials (Grober, 1999). This paper intends to discuss the sustainability of concrete as compared to wood, and steel, side effect of deforestation, process of carbon sequestration and lastly importance of scale on planning. 2.0 Sustainable Construction materials The green mark society do promote the adoption of various green building features, innovations, and technology in order to achieve better performance in water usage, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, use of recycled and reusable materials and environmental management (Hansen, 2002). The use of sustainable material and the product are part and parcel of the overall environmental sustainable effort. 2.1 Planning scale In order to achieve sustainable construction, planning and design is the initial stage. This involves use of expert as they have in-depth knowledge on the best materials to be used in the construction of the building (Hansen, 2002). The scale of planning should be elaborate and clear with each and every stakeholder given time and opportunity to explore the technical and professional issues in the construction process (Grober, 1999). Much architecture and other designers have championed for renewable sources of construction materials like aggregate non-structural concrete which are reusable and environmental friendlier. Materials like crushed concrete can be used as a hardcore in road pavement construction process instead of using new stones (Grober, 1999). 2.2 Steel/Metals Benefits of using renewable construction material (Steel) Strong and light: Steel, has a good ratio of weight to strength for any construction material (Grober, 1999). Steel frame is stronger compared to wood traditionally used and provides savings in the foundation and to the amount of carnage needed on the site. Dry walls also are strong yet weigh less (Grober, 1999). Labour saving: Lightweight steel framing systems are simpler to erect than the conventional system. On this, labour cost considerably reduced. They also manufactured with a pre-punched hole for running pipes and electrical wiring thus minimizing preparation work for such trade and activities (Mehta, 2000) Design flexibility: Because of its strength, steel and concrete can be span greater distance which offers large open spaces for design flexibility without the need for intermediate load bearing walls (Hansen, 2002). On a similar note, drywalls, remodeling can be easily accomplished with non-load bearing drywalls. This allow them to be readily be relocated, removed or be altered. This is possible because of the screw used to tie the studs can easily be removed. 2.3 Concrete as a sustainable building material Concrete is a sustainable building materials due to the following characteristics. Firstly, production without the use of scarce resources since concrete produced from cement, stone, sand and water which are available locally in most places all over the world. Secondly, the production with very minimal environmental impact, though this largely depends on the actual producer. Lastly, concrete can be re-used when its original application has ended, and this is mostly in road construction and bridges (Hansen, 2002). Current buildings use concrete as the main materials because of easy production and reinforcement is very energy consuming. Reinforced concrete has a high impact on the carbon dioxide footprint of the building. Production of concrete might be very much challenging due to production of carbon dioxide in the process. Concrete can be a good choice still from the environmental point of view as concrete are strong and have a long life span hence low maintenance cost (Hansen, 2002). Concrete have high thermal heat capacity as compared to lighter building materials. The concrete industries can use various methods to increase its compliance for green and sustainable development. They include; Increase the use of sustainable cementations materials – since the production of the Portland cement is energy intensive and responsible for the production of carbon dioxide, use of substitute materials especially byproducts such as fly ash and slag is most recommended (Mehta, 2000). Increase reliance on recycled materials- since aggregate constitute the larger part of concrete, hence need for effective recycling procedure that will lessen the demand for virgin materials hence sustainability. Improved durability- by doubling the service life of structures, a half of the amount of materials required for their replacement can be reduced. Improved mechanical property- Improved mechanical strength and similar properties will lead to reduction of materials needed. Water reuse-The recycling of wash water can be readily achieved. 2.4 Trees Trees are also alternative building materials all over the world with various types of trees available for construction purposes (Anonymous, 2010). The classifications of trees are hard wood and soft wood. 2.4.1 Softwoods a) Cedar Cedar: it has the quality of density and lightweight to make it perfect choice. It is resistant to decay and has aromatic oil wards off insect hence excellence choice for closets and other wall covering (Anonymous, 2007). b) Cypress Cypress: normally found in swampy marshlands throughout the southern part of the United States. It does not rot when exposed to wet conditions hence majorly used in outdoor furnishings and docks. They relate to sequoias and redwood found in California (Anonymous, 2007). c) Fir It accounts to a quarter of tree produced in North America. Used in plywood, lumber, post and house logs. It is also popularly used during Christmas period. d) Redwood Two of its species found in California. The coast redwoods and sequoias found along Pacific Ocean, and a smaller number of dawn redwood found in native China (Anonymous, 2007). e) Pine Pine: white pine wood popular choice for many construction projects from crafts to construction 2.4.2 Hardwood a) Walnut Walnut: provides good color, grain which easy to work with in construction (Anonymous, 2010). b) Oak Oak: they are of over three hundred types all over the world. It is extremely durable and resistant to insect damage and rot. c) Maple Maple: used in furniture production. Not easy for work finishing especially in the stain application, but it is well worth effort. d) MAHAGANY MAHAGANY: they are tropical hard wood majorly found in Mexico, Amazon and Central America rainforest. It has higher demand than its production (Anonymous, 2010). e) Hickory Hickory: found majorly in North America, used in the production of products of all types Causes deforestation. 3.0 Deforestation and its environmental impacts Deforestation defined as the process whereby forests converted to permanent nonforested land for alternative use such as grazing land, agriculture or urban development (Anonymous, 2007). Deforestation has been an issue of controversy s well as a challenge to many developing countries especially along the tropics, since it has destroyed the tropical forests around the globe and resulted to loss of biodiversity as well as increasing the greenhouse effect(Anonymous, 2010).. Deforestation has been a major world disaster with much forest in the world cut down (Anonymous, 2010). Indonesia and Brazil have performed better in the recent past by having a fall in forest cover loss by up to 40%. Others are North and Central America which have remained stable Europe and Asia which has expanded their forest covers this decade (Anonymous, 2007). The changes in these areas are due to the adoption of sustainable construction to promote environmental sustainability in buildings. 4.0 Conclusion All construction process needs to be sustainable and affordable. References Anonymous (2010). Global Forest Resources Assessment, 2010-Main Report. FAO Forestry Paper Anonymous (2007). Three Essential Strategies for Reducing Deforestation. ALIANCA DA Terra, Grober, U (1999). The inverter of sustainable construction process: Germany Hansen, T.C (2002) “Recycling of Demolished Concrete and Masonry”, RILEM Report 6, Chapman and Hall, London. Mehta, P. (2000) “Concrete and Green Industry for Sustainable Development”, Concrete International Read More