Preserving Our Way to a Better World

Written By Guillermo

Construction sand is used in vast quantities worldwide, reflecting its integral role in construction projects. According to recent estimates, the global demand for construction sand exceeds 55 billion tons annually. This staggering figure highlights the scale at which this resource is consumed, driven by the rapid urbanization and infrastructure development across the globe. We can only guess the consequences. Increasing the service life of existing structures enhances the value of the owner's portfolio and helps sustain the natural environment.

‍ ‍Understanding the Environmental Footprint of Concrete

           

  • Concrete, made primarily from cement, is the second most consumed substance on Earth after water.

  • 8% of global CO2 emissions are attributed to concrete production.

  • Key impacts include:

  • Significant CO2 emissions contributing to climate change.

  • Water pollution from plant operations.

  • Generation of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste.

Construction & Demolition Waste: A Growing Concern

  • In the U.S., construction and demolition (C&D) waste totaled 600 million tons in 2018, over twice the municipal solid waste.

  • Concrete accounted for 67.5% of C&D debris, making effective management crucial.

Embodied Carbon: A Hidden Challenge

  • Embodied carbon includes emissions from material production and construction processes.

  • Between now and 2050, half of emissions from new construction will stem from embodied carbon.

  • Unlike operational carbon (which can reduce over time), embodied carbon is locked in at construction.

Sustainability Through Structural Rehabilitation

  • Extending the service life of concrete structures is a sustainable solution:

  • Avoids the carbon-intensive process of new construction.

  • Reduces natural resource depletion and energy use.

  • Preserves the energy already invested in existing materials.

Innovative Solutions:

Surtreat Solutions surface-applied technology for renewing, strengthening, and preserving concrete has emerged as a game-changer in sustainable infrastructure. By focusing on extending the service life of existing structures, Surtreat Solutions helps:

  • Avoid the environmental burden of demolition and reconstruction.

  • Minimize embodied carbon by maintaining existing materials in service.

  • Reduce water and thermal pollution during the repair process.

Case Studies Featuring Surtreat Solutions:

1.Allright Parking Garage, Columbus, OH (1990):

  • Surtreat's rehabilitation approach extended the structure’s service life by 25–30 years.

  • Prevented 12,000 MMBtu of thermal pollution, 1,221 tons of CO2 emissions, and 48 tons of acid rain constituents.

2.Washington Reagan National Airport (2005):

  • By leveraging advanced concrete preservation methods, including Surtreat's technology, 6,755 cubic yards of concrete were preserved.

  • Avoided 17,000 MMBtu of thermal pollution, 1,688 tons of CO2, and 67 tons of acid rain constituents.

Benefits of Extending Concrete Structure Life

  • Cuts down on global CO2 emissions.

  • Reduces 600 million tons of C&D debris annually.

  • Minimizes material production emissions.

  • More cost-effective than replacing structures:

  • A U.S. Department of Transportation study showed a 32% taxpayer saving by repairing instead of replacing bridges.

Call to Action

Invest in technologies like Surtreat Solutions surface-applied treatments to:

  • Renew and strengthen existing infrastructure sustainably.

  • Address the environmental challenges posed by embodied carbon.

  • Build a greener future where innovation supports sustainability.

Step up and accept the challenge of becoming a better steward of our concrete world.

Sources:

  • Chatham House Report, EPA Sustainable Management, UN Environmental Global Status Report.

  • ICRI Committee 160 Sustainability Reports.

Guillermo
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CORROSION HAS A CLASSIFICATION.