Are you still using concrete?
Posted on 3rd March 2021Did you know that concrete is the most destructive material on Earth?
It is the most widely used man-made material in existence. It is second only to water as the most-consumed resource on the planet. In an ever-changing world where we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint, we are overlooking one of the biggest causes. Concrete is said to be responsible for around 8% of the world’s CO2 emissions. We have focused largely over the past several years on reducing our plastic use, yet all the plastic produced over the past 60 years amounts to 8bn tonnes, the cement industry pumps out more than that every two years.
We are not saying never use concrete. There is a place for concrete until we find something else that compares with it without the negative impact on the environment. But why use concrete unnecessarily?
When looking at foundation systems, instead of digging up vast areas of earth and filling them with concrete, look at alternatives.
The Anchor Post and Anchor Screw are made up from 100% recycled British steel, do not require any concrete to hold them in place and there is no digging required or removing of the soil. As there is no concrete there is no drying time and installations can be completed in a single visit. The unique dome head allows for adjustments to be made easily and simply. Bespoke interface plates can be designed to suit each individual application.
On a recent project with Balfour Beatty and Network Rail (see here), our system was used instead of concrete and the below results were recorded:
- 60 per cent time saving on foundation installation
- 40 per cent cost saving of £369 per metre to £221 per metre (derived from man hour savings, elimination of plant requirements, reduced possession requirements)
- 73 per cent embodied carbon reduction on materials, equivalent to 13,920kg CO2e and 89.4 per cent material saving
- Zero on-track plant and zero water consumed
- UK manufacturing and local materials, eliminating mainland European transportation miles
If you would like to find out more about the Anchor Post or Anchor Screw and how it can eradicate the need for concrete and make your next project a more sustainable one, then please email us or contact us on 01342 719 362.
You can also download our brochures here.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46455844
https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/feb/25/concrete-the-most-destructive-material-on-earth
