Concrete

A concrete that sucks water!

Published

10 years ago

September 30, 2015

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Concrete is rarely the most fascinating of subjects, but a strange thirsty version of the material has turned it into something rather compelling. Topmix Permeable concrete is designed to be a super-absorbent surface covering that allows water to seep through it rather than sitting on top in an attempt to combat flooding.

While helping to prevent surface water flooding during storms, the concrete could also help to make roads paths safer by preventing puddles that could pose a risk, according to Tarmac, which has developed the concrete. It works by having a permeable layer of concrete on top that allows water to drain through large pebbles into a loose base of rubble beneath.

Drainage channels incorporated into the rubble can help to increase the amount of water it can cope with. A statement by the company said it could not only help to tackle flash flooding in urban areas but may also help to reduce the heating of tarmac in hot weather. They said: Permeable concrete allows surface water to freely drain through the wearing surface to the underlying ground with the ability to act as a reservoir during periods of high downfall.

During these periods this characteristic can aid in delaying the discharge of surface water into water courses or drainage systems reducing the risk of overwhelming systems and causing flash flooding.

Concrete

Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

Published

7 days ago

May 13, 2025

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Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

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Concrete

Cemex invests in AI optimisation through OPTIMITIVE

Published

7 days ago

May 13, 2025

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Cemex, through its corporate venture arm Cemex Ventures, has announced a strategic investment in OPTIMITIVE, a company specialising in AI-powered industrial process optimisation. OPTIMITIVE’s flagship products, Optibat RTO and Optibat Studio, enable real-time, closed-loop control of critical manufacturing operations, delivering notable improvements in energy efficiency and system productivity. This collaboration aims to embed artificial intelligence into Cemex’s global operations, supporting the company’s ‘Future in Action’ programme—its ambitious roadmap to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions. The integration of AI will allow Cemex to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

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Concrete

GCCA releases LCR system

Published

7 days ago

May 13, 2025

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The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched the Low Carbon Ratings (LCR) system for cement and concrete, a new global rating based on products’ carbon footprints. The system uses a clear AA to G scale to help customers prioritise sustainability in material selection across construction sectors worldwide. The GCCA says that the LCR system is designed to be easily recognisable, with a simple visual graphic that indicates a product’s rating and provides consistency and comparability to other products.

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