Energy Digest

Concrete: A Story of Evolution and Innovation

Jan 02, 2024

3-4 Minute Read Time

A Journey Through Time...

Concrete's history is as solid as the structures it builds. Around 6500 BC in the UAE, the Nabataea traders crafted concrete floors and structures. Fast forward to 3000 BC, the Egyptians used mud and straw to bind bricks, and even the Great Pyramids at Giza incorporated about 500,000 tons of mortar. The Ancient Romans, around 600 BC, widely popularised concrete, ingeniously using volcanic ash and lime​​.

Lost and Rediscovered

After the Roman Empire's fall, concrete's secret recipe was forgotten until 1414 when forgotten manuscripts rekindled interest in this building marvel. Then, in 1824, Joseph Aspdin's invention of Portland cement marked a new era, laying the foundation for modern construction​​. ["]

The evolution of concrete through various historical periods. It reflects the timeline from Nabataea traders to the Victorian era, focusing on the creation of concrete in each period with cultural and historical accuracy.
The evolution of concrete through various historical periods


Impact and Energy Intensity

Concrete, while indispensable, is a double-edged sword. Producing cement, its key ingredient, contributes significantly to CO2 emissions. Demand growth and the higher global clinker-to-cement ratio have increased the emissions intensity since 2015​​. Despite innovations, the CO2 emissions intensity of cement production has remained relatively flat in recent years. The cement industry needs annual CO2 intensity declines of 4% to align with the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario​​. ["]

Innovative Alternatives

The concrete industry is adapting to eco-friendly alternatives. Green concrete, for example, uses waste materials and produces less carbon dioxide​​. AshCrete, which uses recycled fly ash, reduces CO2 emissions significantly​​. Blast furnace slag, another byproduct, replaces up to 80% of cement, emitting less heat during hydration​​. Micro silica, known for increasing concrete's strength and durability, is becoming a popular eco-friendly option​​.

Recycling and Beyond

Recycling in concrete production is gaining momentum. Papercrete, made from recycled waste paper, is emerging as a sustainable alternative​​. Utilising waste concrete material saves landfill space and reduces virgin material use​​. Glass and plastic, due to their recycling potential, are also being used as concrete alternatives​​​​. Pushing the envelope, a British company, Novacem, has developed concrete that can absorb carbon dioxide​​. ["]

In conclusion, concrete's story is one of constant evolution. From ancient structures to modern skyscrapers, it has shaped our world. Yet, with environmental concerns taking centre stage, the industry is innovating with sustainable alternatives that promise a greener future.

Stay updated on the latest in sustainable building materials with #energydigest #empoweringprogress #builtenvironment #concreteevolution.

Statistics as of 2020 ["]

  • In 2020, the global volume of concrete produced was approximately 14.0 billion cubic meters.
  • Residential construction accounted for about 40% of the total concrete production.
  • The global cement production in 2020 amounted to 4.2 billion tonnes.
  • The market value of the global cement and concrete products sector was estimated at $440 billion in 2020​​.