What Is Concrete Replacement?
What Is Concrete Replacement?
Concrete replacement is a type of construction practice wherein existing concrete structures are removed and replaced with new concrete that has been designed to conform to current standards.
This usually involves assessing the existing structure, designing a replacement structure, ordering materials, and executing the installation process.
In some cases, it involves an investigative phase to determine whether any structural deficiencies or signs of decay exist prior to initiating repairs.
Concrete replacement is often used when modernizing aging infrastructure or in responding to severe weather events such as floods or earthquakes.
When Should You Replace Concrete?
When it comes to concrete, age matters. Generally speaking, concrete should be replaced every 20-25 years unless proper maintenance is taken.
In exterior applications, this span may be shorter due to the elements such as rain, snow, and ultraviolet light that can weaken the structure of the concrete over time.
So if you have an existing concrete surface that has been enduring constant use for two decades or longer, it’s best to replace it with a new pour of fresh concrete before any serious damage or decay sets in.
What Is A Good Substitute For Concrete?
As an alternative to traditional concrete:
- Ferrock is a carbon-negative material made from steel dust, fly ash, and other materials.
- Rammed earth is another viable substitute for the dampened subsoil compacted between formwork.
- Straw bales are also an option for construction, used as walls and insulation.
- Timbercrete uses timber waste and cement to create lightweight blocks that work in place of concrete bricks.
- Hempcrete is composed of hemp shivs mixed with lime or clay plaster, creating a solid material with good thermal performance.
- Greencrete incorporates industrial by-products such as fly ash into the mix, providing a more sustainable solution than concrete.
Why Use Cement Replacement?
Cement replacement materials are used to improve the strength and durability of concrete, as well as reduce the temperature of hydration while increasing resistance to sulfate and chloride attacks.
Additionally, cement replacements can improve workability and pumpability, reduce water demand, decrease shrinkage cracks caused by thermal stresses, and provide energy savings during production.
Therefore, in order to produce a higher quality concrete with greater performance characteristics for an array of applications, cement replacements should be employed.
What’s Stronger Than Concrete?
Epoxy systems from Simon Surfaces have been proven to be much more durable than traditional concrete, with strength levels of up to 10,000 psi in comparison to the typical 4,000-5,000 psi of standard concrete.
This means that epoxy systems can be two-to-three times stronger than concrete and are thus an ideal choice for a long lasting and sturdy surface.
The epoxy system is also highly resistant to UV rays, corrosion and chemicals, ensuring it retains its strength even under harsh conditions.
What Are Cement Replacement Materials?
Cement replacement materials (CRM) are a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to increasingly expensive cement, a key ingredient in producing concrete or other cementitious products.
CRMs have pozzolanic properties, meaning they react with water and other components to produce a more durable finished product with superior strength than those created using only cement.
Examples of common CRMs include fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and silica fume. These materials can be used in many applications on their own or in combination with other materials, such as natural cement, limes, or gypsum.
Implementing CRMs into current manufacturing practices reduces carbon dioxide emissions during production and improves the lifespan of finished products.
