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  • From: Dennis Argall <dennisargall@bigpond.com>
  • To: permaculture <permaculture@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [permaculture] Cement
  • Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2004 11:52:02 +1100

I wanted to endorse what Shawn said [below]. In comparison of energy use, there is a big distinction between something so long lasting as concrete and something like flying in a plane.

There is though, the problem in human settlement in Australia, perhaps elsewhere, that so much urban land which could have organic life is being covered with concrete, with consequences for heat build up, use of air conditioning, rapid run-off, etc --- so, there is, as usual, a big question of quality of use.

Much as with aluminum, such a wonderfully long lasting material requiring huge inputs of electricity, so often used wastefully.

cheers

Dennis


On 07/12/2004, at 2:24 PM, McFarlandAIA@aol.com wrote:

Concrete,

Concrete is a generally a wonderful product. It is fluid and flexible when
poured and solid when it has cured. The materials that comprise concrete are
sand, water, rock and cement. The first three materials can be mined locally,
thus reducing transportation costs. Chemical admixture must be kept to a minimum.
The use of Portand Cement can be eliminated by substituting fly ash, a
byproduct of coal burning power plants (as long as it has no radioactive content).
Here in Texas, there is a local source for fly ash. Thus, concrete, used in
this manner, can have a low environmental impact and is a very durable and
long-lasting material.

Shawn McFarland, AIA, LEED AP
Permaculture Guild of Houston





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