Reducing Water Use in Concrete Production
Concrete is an indispensable building material, but its production can be water intensive. On a global scale, millions of litres of water are consumed in the concrete manufacturing process, a challenge in a world where water conservation is increasingly crucial. However, innovative solutions like Sika’s concrete admixtures are helping to change this dynamic by reducing the water required for concrete production by ,
Technology That Cuts Water Usage
Advanced concrete admixtures work by enhancing the mix’s workability and reducing its water-to-cement ratio. This means less water is required to achieve the same consistency and performance. For example, some superplasticizers allow concrete to flow more easily while maintaining its strength and durability, reducing the overall water demand during mixing. For instance, the pore quantity in the cement paste can be reduced by 75 % by adding a superplasticizer, or water-reducing concrete admixture.
By lowering the amount of water needed without sacrificing the quality of the final product, these admixtures are revolutionizing the concrete production.
The Impact on Durability and Sustainability
Reducing water content in concrete also directly impacts its durability. Less water in the mixture results in fewer pores in the hardened concrete, which means the material is denser and more resistant to environmental stressors like chemical erosion and freeze-thaw cycles.
Not only does this increase the lifespan of concrete structures, but it also lowers the environmental impact by conserving water and reducing the need for repairs or replacements over time.
Broader Water Management Initiatives
On other fronts, Sika treats and reuses cleaning water and wastewater in production processes such as admixture blending. Reused water from cooling processes and sewage treatment plants further reduces the company’s water footprint. Additionally, the company offers innovative products for water reservoirs, dams, and wastewater treatment plants, which help prevent leaks and protect water quality. These efforts contribute to improving water efficiency and ensuring clean drinking water is accessible to a growing global population.
