Displaying items by tag: construction
Holcim launches Phoenix circular 3D-printed concrete bridge
14 December 2023Switzerland: Holcim has partnered with the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich’s Block Research Group, incremental3D and Zaha Hadid Architects Computation and Design Group for the launch of Phoenix, a 3D-printed concrete bridge made using reduced-CO2 circular technologies. The bridge employs Holcim’s ECOCycle recycled 3D-printing concrete and stands through compression, without reinforcement, reducing the volumes of materials used by 50% compared with conventional construction methods.
Holcim head of global research and development Edelio Bermejo said “I am thrilled to unveil Phoenix, a monument to sustainability and the result of a fruitful collaboration with our partners to meet a common goal: demonstrating that essential infrastructure can be designed and built in a way that is circular and low-carbon today. This project showcases the impact that innovation can have in Holcim’s mission to decarbonise building for a net-zero future.”
C-Crete Technologies pours zeolite-based concrete in Seattle
08 December 2023US: C-Crete Technologies poured its zeolite-based concrete for the construction of a 20t slab-on-grade foundation and set of steps in Seattle. The concrete uses zeolite as a binder, removing the need for cement.
C-Crete Technologies founder and president Rouzbeh Savary said "Our successful 20t concrete pour in Seattle using the zeolite-based binder is an important step in our quest to revolutionise construction. This landmark use of the product epitomises C-Crete's commitment to reshaping the industry through environmentally conscious innovations. By tapping into various natural rocks like zeolite and converting them into cementitious binders we're forging a path toward truly sustainable infrastructure."
Mexico: Property developer Immobiliaria Ancore will use Cemex Mexico’s Vertua reduced-CO2 concrete in the construction of the upcoming 100-storey Rise Tower in Monterrey. Cemex will supply a high-altitude concrete pouring system for the project. The concrete supplier said that the development aims to secure LEED, WELL, Green Globes, bEQ and NMX-164 certifications.
Cemex Mexico president Ricardo Naya said “We’re honoured to be working on a project that will establish the new standard for sustainable high-rise construction in Latin America. Cemex brings vast experience in sustainable construction, providing lower-carbon building materials, lower-waste practices and zero use of potable water in our concrete production.”
Cemex USA supplies Vertua water-permeable concrete for renovation of Bryant-Denny stadium
20 October 2023US: Cemex USA supplied water-permeable concrete from its Vertua range for the renovation of the Bryant-Denny American football stadium at the University of Alabama. The producer says that this will reduce the project’s CO2 emissions by 40%, while also facilitating rainwater harvesting and preventing the stadium’s field from flooding.
Cemex USA president Jaime Muguiro said “These types of projects exemplify Cemex’s versatility. From housing to large-scale infrastructure, we are able to deliver tailor-made solutions that best suit our customers’ needs. Thanks to our extensive portfolio of high-quality building materials and solutions, we can participate in such iconic projects and support more sustainable construction.”
Bahamas: Partanna Global has unveiled its first carbon negative, climate-resilient Home for the World in Nassau. The residence will remove 182.6t/yr of CO2 from the atmosphere. It is the first of 30 planned units, as part of a project to eventually build 1000 Homes for the World in partnership with the Bahamian government.
US: Cemex USA has poured 18,300m3 of Vertua reduced-CO2 concrete in the construction of the Centennial Tower at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas. Cemex USA says that it successfully completed the 20hr pour at the world’s largest medical complex without interrupting surrounding emergency services.
President Jaime Muguiro said “Cemex’s purpose of building a better future comes to life when we participate in projects that improve people’s quality of life, particularly in the area of health services, in the communities in which we serve. Not only are we providing expert logistics and resilient materials, but we are also providing an alternative to lower the carbon footprint of the project with our more sustainable solutions.”
Mexico: Holcim Mexico says that its supply of cement to the government’s Tren Maya railway project is 170,000t/month. This corresponds to 50 – 60% of its total production volumes. Local press has reported that construction of the 1500km-long Tren Maya railway will consume 1Mm3 of concrete. Holcim supplied its cement for Sections 1 – 3 of the line between 2020 and 2022. It is currently supplying Section 5, which is 50% complete. The cement comes from the company’s Orizaba, Veracruz, plant; its Macuspana, Tabasco, plant and its Mérida, Yucatán, plant.
Holcim Mexico’s infrastructure development manager Fernando Roldan said "Our participation has been a challenge, but the relationship we have with the suppliers and with the construction companies in charge of the railway has allowed us to meet the requirements."
Greece: Titan Group has established a ready-mix concrete batching plant at the construction site of the Ellinikon new city project. The 6Mm2 development is converting a disused airport into housing and hotels. It has also started building what will be the Mediterranean’s tallest ‘green’ skyscraper. Titan Group says it will maximise its recycling rate of concrete and demolition waste at the site, as well as using new concrete recycling system and a treated water reuse method.
Titan Group’s Greece general manager, Angelos Kalogerakos, said “We have invested fast and early to accompany this large city infrastructure project. I am certain our partners will be delighted with the outstanding concrete solutions delivered by our group specialists thanks to this digital, state-of-the-art unit and our portfolio of green and value-added products. We take pride in contributing to the transformation of The Ellinikon as this iconic project is reshaping the coastline.”
Saudi Arabia: Partanna has supplied its carbon-negative concrete for the construction of the Diriyah tourism hub. The US$63.2bn hub expects to attract 27m visitors annually from 2030. Partanna produces its concrete from waste streams, mineralised with CO2 from the water desalination sector. Saudi Arabia is currently 70% reliant on desalination for its water consumption.
Partanna co-founder Rick Fox said "This partnership marks a new era in sustainable construction. Our carbon-negative binder technology is poised to fundamentally transform the way the world builds and represents an environmentally restorative and cost-effective alternative to cement. Since launching our business at COP27, we have sought to scale our business by partnering with organizations who are committed to less talk and more action on combatting climate change. The world needs solutions like ours and that’s why we’re delighted to have identified a partner in Diriyah that combines vision with decisive action.” He concluded “Together we are proving that it’s possible to delink development from pollution. The world is watching, and our journey has just begun."
US: Block-Lite plans to install a system to cure concrete blocks using direct air capture (DAC)-sourced CO2 at its Flagstaff, Arizona, concrete block plant. The upgrade will implement CarbonBuilt’s low-CO2 concrete production technology and AirCapture’s modular DAC technology, across five or six capture units. Direct air capture will thus remove 500 – 600t/yr of CO2 from the atmosphere, while process changes will reduce CO2 emissions from the Flagstaff plant by over 2000t/yr. The project has attracted fundraising from the 4 Corners Carbon Coalition (4CCC), with a goal of US$50,000. The Arizon Daily Sun newspaper has reported that Block-Lite plans to supply its first shipment of low-CO2 blocks to a 50-home development by Habitat for Humanity in Flagstaff.