Cement, Energy and Environment

The way forward: • Blended cements like PPC and PSC have been well accepted in the country. However, we need to improve the percentage of fly ash and GGBS contents in our cement and concrete. • We may have Indian Standards for pozzolanic cement with up to 50% replacement of OPC by fly ash for high volume fly ash concrete roads and other applications. • We need to have positive support from the Authorities in this endeavour for sustainable construction. • We have to encourage use of micro fine products like silica fume or micro silica, etc. for producing impermeable, high strength and super high strength concrete to assist in building more with less, having savings of about 50% of concrete volume. • We need to increase use of classified fly ash by processing fly ash into different categories based on its fineness so that it can contribute effectively for producing very high strength as well as normal strength durable concrete with lower cement utilization. • Recycling of concrete from C&D wastes. • More responsible and professional approach of executives in designing and execution of work (effective workmanship). Conclusion: Basic concept of the sustainable construction is conserving the natural resources for future generation, by conserving virgin materials and protecting the environment by reducing, re-using and recycling the waste and reducing CO 2 emission. Indian Cement, Concrete and Construction industry has done substantial contribution in sustainable construction, however there is a long way to go and we are able to build more with less (by increasing use of ultra-high strength concrete). The day we consume our entire industrial by-products like fly ash, blast furnace slag, etc., we can claim that we have really contributed to the nation and also to the world at large. Cracks formed due to bursting pressure On account of rusting of reinforcement Typical Corroded Reinforcement in RCC Column 29