Concrete is used more often than almost any other human-made material in the world. The most common projects are road work and other civil construction developments that require a large and stable base. However, when it comes to building other structures, concrete is usually overlooked in favor of other materials such as steel or wood. However, concrete can be used for a variety of different projects for the same reasons that it is used so widely in road work. Below are a few different ways you can use concrete in your next building project.
Concrete is already a popular choice for road construction projects due to its strength and durability and that’s what is required of large structures such as buildings or bridges. While it is true that these projects are somewhat more complex than simply pouring concrete over a patch of road for repairs, concrete structures are undeniably more durable compared to other materials. Even if it’s not being used for the whole project, it can provide a stable base to start.
If you need help stabilizing an embankment, concrete is a great choice for that as well for the same kind of reason. It provides a sturdy base to build off of, adding support exactly where you need it. This can be done for large projects such as the previously mentioned bridge, but it can also be used for smaller and personal projects. For example, if you want to expand your house but you’re on a hill. Using concrete to stabilize the foundation will make it not only possible but easier for you as a whole.
Utilizing concrete may even be able to reduce pollution. Most of the pollution in the ocean, approximately 80%, comes from the land. A large part of this is due to run-off, where pollutants simply follow gravity until they fall into a body of water. By creating concrete structures to level the surrounding areas can prevent this from happening. It is estimated that earth retention methods such as this, which can cost up to $750 million every year to repair landslides and similar slopes, can both help the environment and save money that is normally set aside for this purpose.
As you can see, concrete is a useful material that can be used for several different building projects. By choosing to use it in these and similar projects, you are ensuring that your structure will stay durable for many years to come.