When it comes to civils and construction materials like gravel and sandstone, many civil and construction contractors question the differences between recycled vs. virgin. Although similar, each one offers its own unique benefits for your project. Before making a decision, use the following information to decide if your upcoming project would benefit from recycled or virgin aggregates.

 

David Dworcan – CEO Aggreg8 & BrickSandStone

WHAT ARE AGGREGATES?

Aggregates are necessary civils & construction materials required for the infrastructure, commercial   residential spaces. They come in many different styles and shapes, but they tend to fall into either one of two categories: virgin or recycled.

Virgin aggregate refers to products that have been newly mined from the ground. These are typically granular or crystalline rocks, and sand, gravel, and stone are all examples of virgin aggregate. Most virgin aggregate will come from a local mine or quarry some distance away from the local market. Instead of being mined, recycled aggregate material is made from crushed concrete.

Unused or reclaimed concrete and building rubble is taken to a recycling plant, and the product is then crushed to an aggregate specification to create a new recycled product. This can take the form of stone; sand or substrate fill of varying sizes or grades.

 

WHAT ARE AGGREGATES USED FOR?

Aggregates can be used for a variety of applications, including backfill, pipe bedding, subbase, shoulder stone, under paver bricks, and driveways. Some people prefer to use virgin aggregate because they believe it has a higher performance rating than recycled; however, from a product performance perspective, independently graded recycled aggregates are just as durable and strong as virgin and in some instances better. Recycled aggregate can be superior in that it is made from concrete and cement and so possesses cementitious quality that has been proven to bind better than virgin aggregates.

 

WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL DIFFERENCES?

The biggest difference between virgin and recycled aggregate is the impact on the environment. Virgin material needs to be mined, and this requires digging up land, using a variety of tools and equipment that all emit Co2, and then processing the material for use. All of this can use valuable natural resources, cause pollution, and consume energy.

Since recycled aggregates are already coming from a previously existing product or decommissioned buildings or structures, they do not need to be mined for use. This allows companies to conserve the natural resources while also eliminating the need for products to take up space in a landfill.

This goes towards a green build & generally reduces road haulage distances and costs while reducing carbon fuel usage

WHAT ARE THE COST DIFFERENCES?

There are many factors that determine the cost of aggregate, and when comparing recycled vs. virgin aggregate, recycled is generally the more cost-effective option. Since companies don’t have to mine or produce new material, they can produce and price the recycled material at a lower cost than the virgin material. Since recycled producers already have the raw material at their facility, costs are generally lower, and savings are passed on to the consumer.

In some instances, you may actually get more recycled material than virgin material for the same or a lower price. For example, recycled G5 aggregate can be 10% – 15% lighter than virgin G5, so you receive 10% -15% more volume per ton and less fuel is consumed moving the product. All of this adds up to a significant cost savings.

The bottom line when it comes to choosing aggregates is that you generally, will save cost and help protect our natural environments while not compromising quality when you use recycled aggregates.

David Dworcan – CEO Aggreg8 & BrickSandStone

What Is The 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR)

There have been several “revolutions” in manufacturing and supply chain that have had major impacts. The First Industrial Revolution in the 1700’s was triggered by the invention of the steam engine that revolutionised production in textiles and other industries. The Second Industrial Revolution that occurred in the 1870’s and was powered by widespread electrification and the resulting machine manufacturing and automation processes that were introduced.  The Third industrial revolution started in the 1970’s and was predominantly driven by the advances in computing and ICT technology.

Although 4IR is also the product of technological advances, it is unique in that it blurs the boundaries between biological, physical and the digital realms. Computer driven Machines ‘speak’ to each other through the internet of things, processes respond to intelligence devised by algorithms, and humans engage in real-time ‘conversations’ with mechanical processes through bidirectional interfaces.

What truly sets Industry 4.0 technologies apart is the novel way in which hardware, software and connectivity are being reconfigured and integrated to achieve ever-more ambitious goals, the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data combined with the seamless interaction between smart machines, and the blurring of the physical and virtual dimensions of production.

The implementation of IR 4.0 would create a manufacturing environment where every mechanized automation will be interconnected through technological advancements to operate and share information without the need of humans which is expected to improve efficiencies. The 4IR industry have developed a concept called — smart factory, where cloud computing and cognitive computing, stores data and makes algorithm driven decisions based on the data received. The IoT (Internet of things) however, comes functional with cyber-physical systems that allows humans to monitor the processes in real time without physically having to be present on site.

 

What are the benefits and why is there reluctance regarding this technology?

While the potential benefits of 4IR in construction are clear through its implementation as it should improve the product quality while it decreasing time-to-market and enhancements in operational performance, studies have shown that the construction industry is hesitant to implementing these concepts despite the countless benefits demonstrated in other industries.

While the construction environment is complex, and the entire construction value chain involves multiple fragmented counterparts from all levels with a diverse background, to cater to the specific needs and uniqueness of each project, 4IR technology can provide great benefits. This phenomenon however has increased the difficulty of execution and further limits the ability for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to invest in new technologies and the resultant reluctance of implementing IR 4.0

What are the concerns

• Funding and financing
• Job losses & Trade Unions
• Lack of skills in technology & related
• Lack of experience
• Complexities around each build is different and environmental factors such as weather
• Legislative concerns regarding building regulations
• Eskom & consistent power supply

What are the benefits

• It would grow our competitiveness and expand the construction industry greatly
• Less Health & Safety issues, injuries & deaths
• Quicker time to market
• Quicker construction times
• More agility regarding building flexibility & adaptability
• Better management of environmental impacts
• Better maintenance
• Multiple new skilled jobs created
• Skills level in industry improved

 

What is needed for 4IR to become a reality in SA

• Government / international funding
• Industry bodies to drive skills development
• Industry driven innovation & developments
• Changes to legislative framework
• Tech skills development

Finally, the construction industry needs to discuss who & what should be driving this?

David Dworcan – CEO Aggreg8 and former President of the Master Builders Association (North)

For sustainability to be embedded in a company’s business strategy, the company needs to first build understanding of how it creates value for all its stakeholders, in the short, medium and long term by delivering on its brand promise through consciously prioritising not simply profit, but also delivering value to the society and the environment it operates in.

Sustainability as a value is best created when sustainability and governance practices are incorporated into daily business activities, manufacturing processes, construction practices and supply chain management.

It is essential that this occurs throughout an organisation and not simply in the boardroom, and should also be reflected in the daily decisions made by middle management and employees who directly affect the impact of these priorities and policies.

Employee training & awareness

Perhaps the most valid measure of whether sustainability is integrated into a business is the extent to which its employees adopt continual improvement in environmental performance. Training and engagement of employees is a vital element of any sustainability strategy.

Training should cover a range of topics, including environmental compliance, stakeholder concerns on environmental issues, the impacts of resource use and pollution on society and the environment, emergency preparedness for environmental incidents, and practical ways to drive continuous improvements in energy efficiency and environmental performance.

Approach to improving business environmental & sustainability impact should include:

• Industry best practice adoption
• Environmental & sustainability policy development & implementation
• Incorporating green technologies at multiple levels within the business as possible
• Investment in more energy efficient and cleaner technologies and the use of recycled products wherever available

Green governance requires proper management oversight and planning, measurements for implementation, and the direct involvement of decision makers with authority to make financial investment decisions.

Common measurements include:

• Natural resources: Raw material sourcing, land use, water and energy consumption are some key focus areas. What policies are in place to drive safe and sustainable practices concerning natural resources? Does the company use renewable energy sources or materials?
• Climate change: What risk does the business pose on people and the planet as well as what risks could the business be exposed too from climate change factors such as drought, flooding etc. Pollution and carbon emission tracking and de-carbonization strategies typically fall under this measure.
• Pollution and waste: How does a company manage its waste? Does it have waste management strategy in place including waste avoidance, minimization, re-use, and recycling strategies? How is it mitigating pollution including noise, dust and water pollution?

Our focus on the Future:

BricksandStone and its sister company Aggreg8 (a Global Green Tag Company) has made a firm commitment to ensuring that we look after our environment and practice recycling as part of our business lives every day. We know that in order for our future to look better as a society we need to practice our policy of sustainability not just when people are looking but in every action and decision we take.

If you have any ideas on how the building trade can improve on its environmental sustainability, we would love to hear from you.

By David Dworcan, CEO Aggreg8

As the world continues to urbanize, many countries will face challenges in meeting the needs of their growing urban populations, including those for housing, transportation, energy systems and other infrastructure, as well as for employment and basic services such as education and health care.

The United Nations projections for Urban settlement indicates that over 68% of the global population will be Urban dwellers by 2050 – only 29 years away.

The Global trend towards urbanization will result in many countries facing massive challenges in meeting the dwelling infrastructure needed to provide adequate community infrastructure in growing urban populations, including housing, transportation, energy systems, as well as infrastructure for employment, education and health care services.

It is estimated that as much as three in five cities worldwide with at least half a million inhabitants are at high risk of a natural disaster. Collectively, these cities are home to 1.4 billion people or around one third of the world’s urban population. Developments of the future need to have greater weight placed on environmental impacts.

Wide use of concrete structures in urban developments can not only reduce environmental impact but also ensure longevity of structures with the added benefit that concrete is fully recyclable.

Concrete Definitions

Concrete is a versatile building material, in fact Concrete is the most man-made used substance. Concrete is made of cement, sand, aggregates, water and admixtures. It can be molded when in it’s in a “wet” state and solidifies over time, gaining strength and durability.

Cement is the ‘glue’ which binds the ingredients of concrete together. It is a powdery material which when mixed with water, sand and gravel forms concrete. When mixed with water and sand it makes mortar.

The amazing properties of concrete:

Non-combustible – Concrete does not burn: providing fire safe structures especially in Urban settings

Non Oxidative – Concrete does not rust: providing low maintenance and durability

Rot-proof – Concrete does not rot: reducing risk of unseen damage

Insect-proof – Concrete does not suffer from insect damage: reducing risk of unseen damage and longevity  of structures

Flood-resilient – Concrete does not swell and warp when wet: providing resilience to flooding and internal water damage

Zero emissions – Concrete does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can harm the environment

Water non toxicity – Concrete is inert: it can be used to store and supply clean drinking water safely

Heat-reflective – Concrete has high light reflection: the light-coloured surface of concrete reflects heat whereas dark surfaces like asphalt absorb heat and cause the problematic urban heat island effect

Water-permeable – Concrete paving can be created to be permeable to water:  This reduces flooding during heavy downpours as water can permeate through the surface

Reduces vehicle emissions – Concrete paving is very rigid and forms hard surfaces that are vehicle friendly and provide great traction thereby reducing vehicle emissions

Thermal mass – Concrete has thermal mass, like stone and masonry, which can be used by designers to reduce energy demand. 

Range of Densities Possible – Concrete can be made in a range of densities from lighter than water (10kN/m³) to heavy concretes (30kN/m³) that are used in hospitals to absorb radiation: typical concrete density is 23kN/m³

Compressive strength – Concrete has compressive strength: strengths from 5MPa (economic low strength masonry) to 80MPa (high rise buildings) and can be designed to have more than double this strength for ultra-high performance

Tensile strength – Reinforced Concrete has tensile strength: concrete is compatible with reinforcement steel which provides tensile capacity and together they make the most widely used composite material in the world

Available & Affordable – Concrete is locally produced. It is widely available and suitable to build at a reasonable cost, without compromising on quality and strength and with low maintenance costs

Recyclable – Concrete is one hundred percent recyclable. All its components are recyclable which can support a circular economy with environmental benefits, job creation and renewable resources.

Concrete Sustainable benefits

Taking a whole-life cycle performance into account, concrete has a low carbon footprint thanks to its durability, to its thermal mass effect, to its recyclability and to the carbonation of cementitious materials. South Africa has a great opportunity to build sustainable and environmentally friendly urban developments through promoting the use of concrete and better management of building waste by building material recycling regulations into its policies.