Sustainable Concrete
Ecologically sustainable concrete products, processes and methods are a response to the expectations of customers for environmentally sound building solutions, tighter cost control and long term security of supply. Durability and safety in design and construction are of increasing concern to consumers along with efficient use, and conservation, of renewable energy, water and material resources. Concrete provides these elements through waste minimization, utilization of by-products and improved energy efficiencies. Golden Bay Cement utilizes wood waste as kiln fuel, and includes fly ash in both the raw feed and to enhance the performance of their finished cement and is also committed to the continuous development and implementation of innovative sustainable solutions with its customers.
The accompanying photograph of a property in Mt Eden shows a sample of a 900 m2 of driveway laid in Formpave® Permeablepaving for a 12 unit sub division. All the storm water from the houses and driveway is controlled and cleaned in this system and since there are no physical connections to a council storm water pipe, all the water infiltrates back into the sub-grade. Due to the slope on the site, individual cells with level platforms had to be constructed. Other viable options such as rain gardens, swales and ponds take up valuable land space whereas the Formpave® system can be designed using the same space as the driveway.
The developer in this case was able to increase the original design from 10 to 12 units due to this “better” use of site. Details on the New Zealand provider of the Formpave® system are available on www.wiltonjoubert.co.nz and more in depth information on the system itself on www.formpave.co.uk
Blended Cements
Golden Bay Cement has a State of the Art cement blending plant in Auckland, capable of providing special purpose blended cements:
For Sustainable Concrete
This blend contains 20% of non-kiln cementitious material so that concrete producers can claim one point under the New Zealand Green Building Councils, Green Star programme.
For Sustainable Precast Concrete
This blend contains 15% of non-kiln cementitious material so that precast concrete manufacturers can claim one point under the New Zealand Green Building Councils, Green Star programme.
For High Marine Durability
This blend contains Microsilica 600 and Huntly Fly Ash in the correct proportions for high marine durability.
Self-compacting Concrete
This blend contains microsilica 600 and fine fillers to ensure reliable self-compacting concrete with enhanced stability.
Low Heat Concrete
This blend contains Huntly fly ash to reduce the heat of hydration in mass concrete.
Soil Stabilization
This blend contains fly ash as a set retarder to extend the placing life of cement stabilized road bases.
Related Articles / Links:
Pacific Steel has also developed a sustainable reinforcing product.
Sustainable Concrete Technologies for New Zealand - L. McSaveney
Sustainable Concrete Technology Final (presentation)
Cement's Role in a Sustainable World