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Green
The Construction Choice of Tomorrow
onstruction is a part of a growing economically
Cemerging country like India. Every day new
buildings and roads are being constructed and the
key to all this construction is a powdered grey coloured
binder known as Cement. Seldom used on its own, cement
is used to bind the construction materials together by
adhering to them as it sets and hardens. When it is mixed
with fine aggregate the resulting mixture is mortar which is
used for masonry. Mixing of cement with sand and gravel
produces concrete for construction task.
The most common variation of cement used is the Portland
cement which sets like an adhesive due to a chemical
reaction between the dry cement and water. Each passing
year witnesses millions of tonnes of cement being produced
and consumed worldwide. China, India and USA are the top
three producers as well as consumers. Cement is a vital part
of industries like chemical, cement, industrial and real
estate and construction. But with its convenience comes the
baggage of its effect on the environment. The production of
cement involves heating or roasting of limestone and clay at
high temperature in giant kilns releasing tonnes of carbon
dioxide in the air. Dry cement powder causes severe eye
and respiratory irritation and a long duration exposure can
cause diseases like tuberculosis. It is highly alkaline and the
setting process i.e. mixing with water makes it even more
corrosive and can severe skin burns on contact. The
reaction also produces some carcinogenic and toxic
chemicals. So while Cement may be a boon to construction,
it seems to be a bane to the environment and human beings.
Looking into cement’s unwanted effects, scientists have
long been searching for safer, cheaper and viable
alternatives. The recent result of this research is Green
Cement. It is defined as “A cementitious material that meets
or exceeds the functional performance capabilities of
ordinary Portland cement by incorporating and optimizing
recycled materials, thereby reducing consumption of
natural raw materials, water, and energy, resulting in a
more sustainable construction material.”
40 December 2018