Specialist contractor Keltbray has used zero-cement concrete for a permanent works pile, in what it claims is a UK first.
Working for Taylor Wimpey on its new housing development in Mount Pleasant, London, Keltbray is installing a secant wall and bearing piles for main contractor Bouygues using cement-free concrete Cemfree.
Cemfree, developed and manufactured in the UK by the DB Group, is an ultra-low carbon alternative to traditional cement concrete. Its manufacturer claims it has all of the structural characteristics of traditional concrete but is more sustainable as it is more resistant to chloride ingress and requires fewer construction joints and less crack-control steel when used within key structural elements.
Stuart Norman, managing director of Keltbray Piling, said: “Using Cemfree in the piled foundations over traditional concretes has the potential to save up to 80% in embedded carbon. These works have been a part of a growing collaboration effort with our industry partner, the DB Group, which manufactures the Cemfree binder product. This is Keltbray’s fifth project where we have used Cemfree but only the first time we have used it for permanent works and so far we’re delighted with the results.”
Following this project, Keltbray’s demolition and civil engineering division will proceed with follow-on capping beam and excavation works.
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Fantastic great news
Great idea!
But how are we addressing the shortage of slag and ash?
Why do we always use the same quality cement whatever the use, such as demanding structures, mortar, shallow footings, or a concrete driveway? There are other pozzolanic materials which can be made from slag or even rice hills and which do not required extreme temperatures to manufacture.
Very interesting – but no information on what materials it consists of, what its characteristics are in terms of curing and strength, etc.