IP Nuggets

Exploring the Future of Construction Industry with Innovative Approaches: Concrete & Bricks

Exploring the Future of Construction Industry with Innovative Approaches: Concrete & Bricks

Exploring the Future of Construction Industry with Innovative Approaches

Who said construction materials can’t be exciting?

  • Imagine a world where buildings are made from innovative materials like concrete, bricks, wood, chemicals, metals and more, that not only stand strong but also repair and heal themselves, and even can be 3D printed!
  • These game-changing innovations are not just futuristic; they’re happening now. And the best part? They’re eco-friendly and designed with a low carbon footprint, making our structures greener and more sustainable.
  • Get ready to explore how these cutting-edge materials are revolutionizing the construction industry and paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future!

Below are the materials that play crucial role in the construction industry, each with unique properties & applications. We will delve into the following essential materials one by one – Concrete, bricks, wood, glass & metals.

Concrete & Bricks Types

Here are a few examples of commonly used innovative and sustainable types of concrete and bricks that enhance environmental performance & efficiency.

  • Recycled Concrete – Made from crushed concrete debris, this type reduces waste & repurposes old materials.
  • High-performance Concrete – Designed for enhanced durability & strength, it extends the lifespan of structures.
  • Self-healing Concrete – Contains materials that automatically repair cracks, improving longevity & reducing maintenance needs.
  • Compressed Earth Blocks (CEBs) – Produced from local soil with minimal energy, they offer low environmental impact.
  • Fly Ash Bricks – Utilize industrial by-products, reducing waste & conserving resources.
  • Recycled Bricks – Created from reclaimed bricks, they help minimize demolition waste & promote reuse.

Please note: A few of the most latest/recent innovations are discussed here, however, many more innovative approaches are being practiced in the concrete industry.

Latest Innovations in Concrete-related Technologies

AU2020102145A4 – Engineered hybrid fibre reinforced ternary blend geo-polymer concrete composite

  • The invention creates eco-friendly geo-polymer concrete using fly ash, slag, & metakaolin instead of cement.
  • Includes steel & polypropylene fibers for added strength & flexibility.
  • Improves tensile & flexural strength.
  • Reduces cement use & repurposes industrial waste.
  • Ideal for high-strength, ductile structures.

US11814322B1 – Metal-organic frameworks: a platform for reducing the carbon footprint of cement-based composites and the method for making the same

  • The invention uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in concrete to capture CO2 & lower the carbon footprint.
  • The process mixes cement with aggregates & water, then blends MOFs into the wet mixture.
  • The concrete is cast & cured in a three-stage process.
  • MOFs boost carbonation, improving CO2 absorption & concrete strength.

US20230067634A1 – Negative carbon    footprint concrete composition

  • The concrete composition has a negative carbon footprint because it includes CO2-sequestering aggregate that captures CO2 from the air.
  • The aggregate can be coated with a carbonate mineral or have a high total surface reflectance (TSR) value.
  • Includes remediated concrete geo-mass & features like internal curing for hydration.
  • The CO2-sequestering process involves capturing CO2 from air & converting it into a solid carbonate.

Latest Innovations in Bricks-related Technologies

IN202311021971 – Fly ash brick with the addition of coconut coir and admixture

  • The patent introduces a fly ash brick enhanced with coconut coir & an admixture.
  • It aims to create more sustainable bricks by reducing the need for clay & utilizing waste materials.
  • Different proportions of coconut coir (5%, 10%, 15%) & admixture (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%) have been tested.
  • The goal is to improve the bricks’ strength, durability, & environmental impact.

WO2016128994 – A novel method and an apparatus in converting unsorted municipal solid waste into geo-polymer pellets/briquettes and geo-polymer bricks/paver blocks

  • The patent outlines a process for turning municipal solid waste (MSW) into geo-polymer briquettes & bricks.
  • The process involves sorting, cleaning MSW, drying, pulverizing combustible waste, & then forming high-calorific-value briquettes & geo-polymer bricks or pavers from the processed materials.

IN202241049430 – Manufacturing process of light weight mycelium bricks

  • The patent outlines a method for making eco-friendly building materials from mycelium, the root-like part of mushrooms.
  • Mycelium bricks are lightweight, energy-efficient, and superior to clay bricks in terms of thermal resistance, sound absorption, compressive strength, and insulation.
  • They are also biodegradable and have lower water absorption.

Major Players in Sustainable Concrete & Bricks Manufacturing

  • Holcim – Leader in innovative & sustainable building materials. To make cities greener, build smarter infrastructure and improve living standards.
  • Cemex – Offers Innovative concrete & cement products while actively pursuing sustainable construction solutions.
  • CalStar Products -Specializing in eco-friendly building materials, creating sustainable bricks & pavers that significantly reduce carbon emissions & energy use.
  • Brickworks Limited – Leading manufacturer of sustainable building materials, known for their innovative bricks & pavers that prioritize environmental responsibility.
  • ACC Limited – Leading cement & concrete manufacturer committed to sustainability, offering a range of innovative & eco-friendly building solutions.
  • UltraTech Cement – Actively works in protecting environment & conserving natural resources for the future, by focusing on Reduce, Reuse & Recycle.

Conclusion

  •  The rise of sustainable and alternative building materials, such as mycelium bricks & other bio-based solutions, represents a significant shift towards more eco-friendly construction practices.
  •  These materials not only offer environmental benefits like reduced carbon footprints & increased biodegradability but also often outperform traditional materials in terms of thermal insulation, sound absorption, and lightweight properties.
  •  Key industry players are at the forefront of this transformation, driving innovation and adoption.
  •  As the demand for green building materials continues to grow, these innovations promise to play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable future for the construction industry.

Share your thoughts & follow us on:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pathtoip/

https://www.instagram.com/pathtoip/

@pathtoip

 

 

 

Contact Us

Address:

Awfis Que Spaces Center, Seasons Mall, Magarpatta City, Hadapsar, Pune

Phone:+91 84119 35620 / +91 95455 88856

Copyright © 2024 PATHtoIP LLP. All Rights Reserved.

Concept, Design & Hosting by Saman Technosys Pvt. Ltd.

Disclaimer

Welcome to the website of PATHtoIP. As per the rules of the Bar Council of India, lawyers and law firms are not permitted to solicit work or advertise. By clicking on the "I AGREE" button below, the website visitor agrees and acknowledges that: –

  • There has been no advertisement, personal communication, solicitation, invitation or any other inducement of any sort whatsoever by or on behalf of PATHtoIP or any of its members to solicit any work through this website.
  • The user wishes to gain more information about PATHtoIP for their own information and use.
  • All information about PATHtoIP on this website is being provided to the user only on their specific request and any information obtained or materials downloaded from this website is completely at the user's volition and any transmission, receipt or use of this site would not create any lawyer-client relationship.
  • This website is a resource for informational purposes only and though intended, is not promised or guaranteed, to be complete or updated. PATHtoIP does not warrant that the information contained on this website is accurate or complete, and hereby disclaims all liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.
  • PATHtoIP assumes no liability for the interpretation and/or use of the information contained on this website, nor does it offer a warranty of any kind, either express or implied.
  • The contents of this website do not constitute, and shall not be construed as, legal advice or a substitute for legal advice. If you have any legal issues, you, in all cases, must seek independent legal advice.
  • PATHtoIP is not liable for any consequence of any action taken by the user relying on material / information provided on this website or through any external links thereon.
  • The information provided under this website is solely available at the user's request for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as soliciting or advertisement.
  • All material and information (except any statutory instruments or judicial precedents) on this website is the intellectual property of PATHtoIP, and no part thereof shall be used, with or without adaptation, without the express prior written consent of PATHtoIP.