This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.
Concrete is a composite material combining sand or other fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, a binder and water. Portland cement is the most commonly used binder, however other binders, such as polymers, may also be used. Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) such as Fly Ash and Ground, Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS), are also commonly used as a part replacement for Portland cement. Additives, such as plasticisers can be added to the mix to control concrete properties, such as workability. Concrete is usually combined with steel reinforcement to improve tensile strength.
Concrete is one of the most commonly used construction materials. It is highly durable and is thus typically used for structural elements in buildings and infrastructure projects. Concrete can be manufactured to meet a variety of strength grades. Concrete 20 MPa is commonly used in domestic floor construction, garage floors and driveways, where the loads supported are lighter. The typical mix ratio is 1:1.5:3 (cement, sand, coarse aggregate).