5 Alternative Cement Materials To Consider For Construction Projects

Cement has been used as a material in most construction projects. However, some are concerned about the potential environmental impact that it may have. This includes emissions and processes that exhaust plenty of resources as some of the specified problems.

For these reasons, it may be a good idea to consider alternative cement materials. We will be taking a look at five of them in this guide. If you have a construction project and want to use something that is more sustainable, these materials we’ll discuss down below are your best options.

No matter the size of your projects, it is always a good idea to utilize sustainable materials. They will last longer while preventing landfill waste and other environmental issues. Let’s get started right now with the following list of alternative materials.

1. Fly Ash

First, let’s take a look at fly ash. This is a byproduct of coal combustion. It also is seen as one of the best alternatives to cement because of its unique properties.

Using fly ash will greatly reduce your carbon footprint compared to the use of traditional cement. It also proves itself as one of the more durable and most workable materials on the market. What kind of projects are fly ash typically used for?

It can be mixed in concrete to help increase its workability. At the same time, it also makes concrete more durable in the long-haul so it reduces instances of cracking, bleeding, and permeability. If you are looking for a more cost-effective material compared to cement, fly ash is an excellent option to consider.

2. Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS)

Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (or GGBFS) are byproducts of iron and steel. This is considered another alternative that is widely available and great for environmental purposes because it consumes less energy while resistant to sulfate attacks. Which means it will be great for those that want to expand the longevity of concrete.

Your concrete will also deal with less permeability as well. This is yet another cost-effective material compared to cement. If you are trying to save money on construction projects that use concrete and you don’t want to spend a lot on cement, GGBFS and even the remaining materials we have on the list might be the better options.

3. Rice Husk Ash (RHA)

Rice Husk Ash or RHA comes from rice milling. This is known for its high silica content while contributing to the reduction of byproducts from agricultural sources. It also is used for those who want to increase the strength of the concrete they might be using for their projects.

Specifically, this can be used for flame retardants, roofing shingles, glazing ceramics, and so much more. But it will most likely make concrete the best performing it can be compared to cement.

This will also be useful for those who want to make sure their concrete is resistant not just to sulfate attacks, but also carbonation and chloride ingress among other issues. However, the workability of your concrete may suffer.

For this reason, you may want to utilize water-reducing admixtures so you can be able to retain that workability and make the concrete easy to place.

4. Hempcrete

Imagine mixing a bio-composite material to concrete that will make it one of your best options for reducing carbon while making your concrete energy efficient. That’s where hempcrete comes in. This consists of hemp fibers, lime, and water.

Hempcrete sequesters carbon, which explains how the carbon reduction is completed. If you are looking for increased thermal performance while keeping consumption of energy low - this might be one of the best options.

This has grown into an excellent cement alternative due to its adaptability and efficiency. It is also useful across several different climates as well. If you’re looking to test out a new, but unconventional alternative to cement, then you may want to consider hempcrete as one of your best options for your next construction project.

5. Ferrock

The last material that we will be taking a look at is ferrock. This contains compositions that are based on iron. It has grown in popularity in recent years and offers those looking for a more sustainable material to mix with concrete.

One of its best properties is the ability to absorb carbon dioxide, especially during curing. This will be a huge contributor in sequestering carbon. Like all the other alternative materials on the list, it also provides more than enough strength and durability so the concrete lasts longer and stronger.

In fact, ferrock on its own is five times stronger than traditional cement. Since we’re talking about contributing positively to the environment, you’ll be happy to know that 95 percent of ferrock is made from recyclable materials.

If this doesn’t stand out as one of the best alternative options, we don’t know what will. But it is important to remember that strength and durability are two qualities that must not be compromised. Especially when you want your construction project to stay strong and last decades - without the need for renovations or significant need for maintenance.

Not only will your construction project last a long time, but it will also give you peace of mind knowing that you have contributed to the environment in a positive way from the start of construction to the finished product. Plus, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on renovations or newer materials.

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