Researchers at RMIT University in Australia have developed a material that could replace traditional cement. It is a sustainable alternative that combines compacted earth and recycled cardboard, which provides enough structural strength for low-rise buildings. The advantages of its use lie in its low cost and the utilization of waste that would normally end up in landfills, thereby avoiding the emission of pollutants.
The New Daily reported that the name given to this new compound is cardboard-confined rammed earth. Meanwhile, AZoBuild cited data on emissions produced during the manufacturing process, showing a reduction of up to 77% in CO2 compared to conventional concrete. While it is true that the test results are promising, scientists state that it is a material suitable only for low-rise buildings and non-critical applications.
Farewell to traditional concrete
The most commonly used building material that everyone knows is traditional cement. However, many of us are unaware of how polluting it is, not only in its use but also in its production, with a more than considerable emission of CO2 into the atmosphere. Faced with this scenario, a group of researchers at RMIT University in Australia set to work with the aim of developing a component capable of replacing traditional cement that would be much less polluting, seeking to reduce the carbon footprint.
It was with this goal in mind that they succeeded in developing a new building material, which combines compacted earth and recycled cardboard. An alternative, sustainable mixture to traditional cement, whose impact on the environment is barely noticeable.
Cardboard-confined rammed earth
The New Daily reported on the name that had been given to this new material: cardboard-confined rammed earth. According to specialists, it is a compound based on cardboard cylinders filled with compacted earth, which is capable of providing sufficient structural strength for low-rise buildings. The reinforced cardboard tubes act as permanent molds for the rammed earth, giving it structure. Tests carried out showed that this combination is capable of creating columns with stability strong enough to support loads similar to those of cement-stabilized earth.
Environmentally Friendly
Unlike cement, both the use and production of this new material significantly reduce CO2 emissions. As reported by AZoBuild, preliminary analysis shows a reduction of up to 77% in CO2 compared to traditional cement. Developers justify these figures with the use of soil without additives, such as recycled cardboard, which gains a new useful life within the structure.
Can it replace traditional cement?
The short answer is no, but with some nuances. Although the results are promising, researchers acknowledge that this new compound has been designed to replace traditional cement in low-rise buildings and non-critical applications. In those cases, one could say it can replace traditional cement, but not for more complex constructions. According to New Daily, cardboard-confined rammed earth could be an alternative for residential buildings, temporary installations, sustainable housing, and community structures. In addition to the minimal percentage of pollutant emissions from this compound, another main advantage is its low cost and global availability, which make it an attractive solution for regions with limited resources or those looking to invest in eco-friendly alternatives.