Demolition means razing and destroying any building or structure or any part of it. Demolition is done by following certain pre-planned as well as controlled methods. A demolition plan should be well-prepared and need local authority approval.
As Australians are the second-highest producers of waste per person in the world, construction projects are donating a significant portion of waste that comes from construction materials. It is undeniable that the demolition clean-up business is a well-known business these days as the construction industry is rapidly growing in the country. The construction industry and demolition produce about 40% of Australia’s waste.
Fortunately, we’ve taken great steps when it comes to recycling it. In Western Australia only, where the construction industry produces more than three million tons of waste per year, around two-thirds of it gets recycled, and the WA Government’s target is 75% recycling by this year. When we see these numbers, now it seems real how important to treat waste wisely to secure our future as well as the environment.
Concrete, One of the Highest Demolition Waste in Australia
Concrete is one of the most construction wastes that are produced in Australia. Almost all demolition projects, from walkways to driveways development, have concrete structures. It is leaving the contractor with the enormous size of concretes to take care.
Fortunately, concretes are recyclable and reusable from multiple points of view. Reused concrete can be a solution to reduce the construction development project cost, while it also may give a few adjustments to the climate. By recycling and reusing the concretes that are taken by the demolition clean-up company, we support a sustainable lifestyle that will bring a positive impact on the environment.
Recycling and Reusing Concrete
Concrete is recycled and reused in many similar ways just as the new material. Many construction projects use it to replace rock and also clear materials. Here are several ways in reusing and recycling old concrete from demolition waste:
- Clearing Materials for Outside Hard Surfaces
We can reuse the old concrete for clearing materials of driveways and walkways. The broken concrete allows us to create a permeable and stable traffic surface where water can stream through.
- Base Material for New Black-Top Clearing
We can break the old concrete through a cycle called Rubblization, and then use the concrete as the base layer under the black-top asphalt.
- Base Foundation Material for Trenches with Underground Utility Lines
Underground utility trenches are usually secured with rocks to assist the drainage. Meanwhile, we can use crushed old concrete which makes a good and inexpensive substitute.
- Aggregate for the New Concrete Mixture
Crushed old concrete is a decent substitute for some new aggregate used in ready-mix concrete.
- Control the Stream Bank from Erosion
Larger parts of crushed concrete can be placed and arranged along the vulnerable stream banks or chasms to control erosion.
- Landscaping Mulch
Well sorted and appropriately crushed old concrete is an ideal substitute for river rocks and gravels used as ground covers and mulch.
- Filler of Wire Gabions
Wire cages (gabions) are used as functional and decorative wall dividers or retaining walls. We can replace the filler of wire gabions with pieces of old concrete.
- The Material of New Oceanic Reef Habitats
We can build new oceanic reef habitats using large pieces of old concrete by carefully placing them offshore. The old concrete will be the foundation for the coral to build new reefs.
Conclusion
Recycling and reusing old concrete will bring many sustainable positive impacts on our life and our future. That is why demolition clean-up company like Dream Lucky Scrap Metal plays a big role in collecting and treating the old concrete and all construction waste safely. Consider contacting Dream Lucky Scrap Metal, a reliable one if you have a demolition project.
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