The european network of search in the field of the concrete and cement
EVENTS
10-06-13 - 14-06-13
14th Euroseminar on Microscopy Applied to Building Materials
Location: Helsingør, DK
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08-03-13
MC ITN TRANSCEND Conference registration and call for abstracts now open
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OPEN POSITIONS
02-05-13
R&D Engineer Material Technology Mineral Building Materials

Kapelle-op-den-Bos, BE
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Building with concrete

Widely Available Material


Concrete is the world's best building material. Its basic components are inexpensive and readily available in every corner of the globe.  In 2007, the world cement production was about 2.77 billion metric tons half of which was produced in China.

One tonne cement (enough for about 3 m3) costs around € 100.

 

 

 


Source. INTRODUCTION A LA SCIENCE DES MATERIAUX, Kurz, Mercier, Zambelli, PPUR, 2nd ed. 2002

Low Energy

It is also low energy compared to all other construction materials.

 

Source: Comparative energy costs from: P.Eyerer and H-W Reinhardt ""Ökologische Bilanzierung von Baustoffen und Gebäuden", Basel : Birkhäuser-verlag, 2000) ["GaBi-Projekt"- final report]; "Ökobilanzen Holz" der Dt. Ges. f. Holzforschung, München, April 1997); H.-W. Reinhardt et al., "Sachstandbericht Nachhaltig Bauen mit Beton" .- Berlin: Beuth, 2001. - (DAfStb: Schriftenreihe 521) ; H. Glässer, H.K. Gründler, H. J.-F. Heitz, "Ökologische Betrachtung und Bilanzierung von Wärmedämmglas", Ergbnisbetrachtung (interne Studie der VEGLA GmbH), VEGLA GmBh 1996, Aachen.


Energy content MJ/tonne

Durable and Energy Efficient

Structures made from concrete are extremely durable; they last for decades and resist environmental conditions such as extreme weather and insect devastation.

Buildings made from concrete are also energy-efficient, because the concrete helps stabilize interior temperatures.