Redesigning Construction: A Materials Innovation Approach
Written By Thierry Eshun
•May 18, 2024
Whether it is the anthills of the savannah-which have amassed considerable critical acclaim- or the intriguing honeycombs which have always had the right to captivate those who give attention to them, nature always has a beautiful way of demonstrating what we can accomplish using the materials available to us. Since the inception of civilisation, construction has been part of human habitation-man has always relied on nature to provide the materials needed to make and sustain a home. Construction has gone past putting up structures and systems and has been a hallmark in every civilisation. Throughout the years, there have been various transitions in the materials used for construction based on climate, geology, durability, ergonomics, cost and culture, but now - more than ever - there is the ever pressing need to promote sustainability, efficiency and safety without hurting nature. This introduces us to Materials innovation.
Recent efforts to utilize materials without putting the environment in danger has led to construction innovations. One such example is the use of Bamboo and cross laminated timber. Over reliance on the steel and iron industry causes the emission of poisonous gases into the atmosphere and also leads to water pollution as a result of heavy metals that enter water bodies. Substituting bamboo and cross laminated timber for some applications of iron and steel in construction like concrete reinforcement, frameworks for columns and beams, scaffolds and even bridges contributes to lower overall emissions. Cross laminated timber and bamboo still provide the high strength-to-weight ratio needed for construction. Also, compared to iron, bamboo and timber are more renewable. The world can learn something from Ancient China.
Image: bamboo used in residential construction (pexels.com)
Plastic pollution has become a menace the world is trying to combat. Polymer products made from PET and HDPE abound in our surroundings, but the rate at which they are properly disposed of is very low. In places like Africa, car tyres (made from elastomers) are not properly disposed of and may be piled up at various places. Construction can be developed by recycling these materials into different products for making bricks. A report on a study done on unfired clay bricks with PET and HDPE additives shows that the properties of brick samples improve if the small grain size is targeted for the polymer additives. Car tyres can also be used to make pavement bricks that last long and show fire resistance.
Potholes and cracks can easily be fixed on our roads by introducing self-healing asphalt. This is not limited to asphalt roads, as it can be applied to concrete roads too. Special bacteria can be cultivated and introduced to concrete. If any damage occurs to the asphalt or concrete, water is used to activate the bacteria, and they produce materials like calcite that completely fills the damage. To develop the construction industry, governments can promote research in this area, as it will help reduce the cost of maintaining roads and improve safety.
Mechanical filtration can really be expensive, but sustainability and green solutions must still be encouraged in Africa and the world. Pollution absorption blocks are designed to filter outside air. This is an innovative way of preventing external pollution from infiltrating inner systems without complex solutions involved. It may be a double-layered wall consisting of porous bricks and insulating bricks or concrete blocks that channel airflow. In any case, the purpose is accomplished.
In Ghana, glass waste ends up scattered in landfills and on the streets. Very few countries are able to effectively recycle glass. Glass waste can be used to form countertops, panels and floors. They can be manipulated to form smart glass and patterned glass to enhance aesthetics in buildings and structures.
Civilisation keeps expanding and construction should get better more and more to accommodate this expansion. The materials around us can be used to promote construction and thus maximum effort should be put in promoting materials innovation, just like bees manipulate wax for honeycombs and ants reinforce fine sand with twigs for anthills
Thierry Eshun
Thierry is a very articulate and eloquent writer, who sides with his creative and expressive side in his writings. He is an exquisite poet who brings the sorcery and magic of poetry into writing about technical engineering concepts. He is a very optimistic writer who sees a bright and promising future through the lens of innovation and science.