What is sustainable concrete?4 answersSustainable concrete refers to environmentally friendly concrete that aims to reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact during its life cycle. It involves the use of industrial by-products like Fly Ash, GGBFS, and EPA to replace cement partially, leading to a significant decrease in CO2 emissions. Additionally, sustainable concrete focuses on enhancing durability and performance while reducing cement content, thus contributing to environmental preservation and cost-effectiveness. The development of sustainable concrete aligns with global sustainability goals, as seen in the fib Model Code 2020, which emphasizes sustainability principles in construction to meet Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations. This evolution in construction materials towards sustainability is crucial for addressing the growing concerns of CO2 emissions and environmental impact in the concrete industry.
What are the impact of fly ash soil?5 answersFly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, has various impacts on soil. When used in agriculture, it improves soil quality, texture, and porosity, enhances crop yield, water retention, and aeration, optimizes pH, reduces soil compactness, and provides micronutrients. In construction, fly ash mixed with lime can strengthen soil, decrease void volume, and improve compressibility, especially after curing. Additionally, incorporating plant fly ash into landfill soil reduces heavy metal penetration, lowers plastic and liquid limits, decreases specific gravity, increases permeability, and significantly reduces metal pollutants in soil layers. Furthermore, using biomass combustion fly ash as fertilizer enhances plant growth, alters soil pH, increases macroelement content, and influences the accumulation of essential and trace elements in plant seeds. Overall, fly ash positively impacts soil properties, crop growth, and environmental sustainability.
How does increasing business competitiveness impact environmental sustainability?5 answersIncreasing business competitiveness has a significant impact on environmental sustainability. The establishment of sustainable businesses through the utilization of alternative energy sources and green technologies helps companies improve their reputation, generate greater revenue, and achieve a more productive supply chain. Additionally, environmental management positively affects corporate performance, and a high level of competition within an industry moderates the relationship between environmental management and corporate performance. Moreover, the consideration of sustainability benefits in competition analysis allows firms to jointly develop and introduce more sustainable technologies and products, contributing to greater sustainability. Furthermore, green factors such as green innovation, green market orientation, and green entrepreneurial orientation positively influence the quality of products and sustainable success in business. Overall, increasing business competitiveness can drive the adoption of sustainable practices and contribute to environmental sustainability.
How can industries be more sustainable?4 answersIndustries can be more sustainable by proactively managing their environmental impacts and adopting life cycle assessment (LCA) to optimize environmental performance. They can also invest in developing new processes and products that comply with sustainable Key Performance Indicators and new demands, using the Unified Engineering methodology to reduce costs, risks, and delays. Accounting for economic, environmental, and social values is crucial for conducting a sustainability assessment, and the adaptation of digital technologies can provide cost-efficient feedback mechanisms for environmental and social values. The nascent transformation of industrial production into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can benefit the environmental dimension of sustainable development by improving resource efficiency, sustainable energy, and transparency. Additionally, industries need to eliminate or reduce the use of toxic materials, greenhouse emissions, and conserve energy, while also extending the life of products and reusing waste to meet the needs of consumers and stakeholders.
Can fly ash be used as a substitute for concrete?4 answersFly ash can be used as a substitute for concrete. Research studies have shown that fly ash can be used as a partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete mixtures, resulting in improved performance and eco-friendliness. The use of fly ash in concrete production helps reduce the depletion of natural reserves of limestone and the high proportion of carbon dioxide emissions associated with OPC production. It has been found that concrete mixtures with fly ash as a partial replacement for OPC exhibit enhanced engineering properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength, water permeability, and resistance against fire. Additionally, the use of fly ash in geopolymer concrete has shown improved strength and durability performance, making it suitable for structural applications. Furthermore, the use of fly ash in lightweight concrete has resulted in optimum compressive strength and improved microstructure. These findings suggest that fly ash can be effectively utilized as a substitute for concrete, offering environmental benefits and improved performance.
Issues on concrete regarding enviromental impact5 answersConcrete production has a significant environmental impact due to the emission of greenhouse gases and the consumption of natural resources such as water. The manufacture of cement, a key component of concrete, contributes to CO2 emissions and increases global temperatures. Concrete waste can also have ecotoxic effects on the environment, especially when leachates are released. The large consumption of concrete and its components, along with energy-intensive production processes, contribute to carbon dioxide emissions. To address these issues, various strategies can be implemented, such as using supplementary cementitious materials, optimizing clinker content, and incorporating recycled waste materials and nanoparticles into concrete mixtures. Additionally, finding alternatives to current concrete components and adopting greener technologies in the construction process can contribute to more sustainable concrete production. Identifying and considering factors such as concrete class, structural loads, materials used, and volume of structural elements can help reduce the environmental impact of concrete structures.