Planning construction projects can be a challenging endeavor, especially when you’re working with a limited budget. You need to ensure that you have quality walls and fences, all while limiting costs. Concrete is often the ideal material to fit that bill, but it may not always have the specific properties your project calls for.
Thankfully, there are many concrete alternatives and variants available today that provide a wide range of options. With them, you can tailor your construction to deliver the perfect solution while still staying within your budget.
The Different Types of Concrete Alternatives
Of course, choosing the right type of concrete or concrete alternative is going to make a huge difference in the outcome of your project. With that in mind, some notable choices include the following:
Ferrock
Ferrock is one of the latest developments in concrete alternatives, and it could quickly become a standard option for construction projects. Like many modern concrete alternatives, Ferrock seeks to make use of recycled materials, particularly industrial steel dust and waste glass, that would have otherwise ended up in landfills.
No matter which ones you choose, you also need to ensure your materials are strong and durable. Ferrock delivers on that front, providing exceptional compressive strength along with the flexibility needed for many applications. Altogether, it is an eco-friendly option that will effectively minimize the carbon impact of your project.
Mycelium
A material made from fungi root fibers, mycelium may not initially be among the concrete alternatives you’d think would hold up well in today’s construction projects. Nevertheless, despite being incredibly lightweight, it achieves similar performance to concrete in terms of fire, water, and mold resistance.
The process of creating structural components with mycelium, however, involves growing it into the needed shape(s), which takes a lot of time. As such, mycelium may not be suitable for practical applications quite yet, but it is certainly something to watch for on the horizon.
Ashcrete
Ashcrete is named for its use of fly ash, a waste product produced when burning coal and other materials. The ash is captured to prevent it from escaping into the atmosphere, but then facilities need to dispose of it. Ashcrete puts it to good use, replacing much of the cement used in traditional concrete mixtures.
In terms of how ashcrete stacks up against other concrete alternatives, it is both durable and economical and also has improved resistance to alkali-silica reactivity, which means it can hold up better against cracks in the long run.
When longevity and low maintenance are top priorities, ashcrete can be one of the best concrete alternatives available. The EPA also recommends fly ash as an eco-friendly concrete ingredient.
Green Concrete
The environmental impact of concrete walls and fences has never been more important to consider. Concrete production and use make up a significant portion of the construction industry’s impact on the planet. Choosing to pursue green concrete mixtures instead lets companies reduce their environmental impact while still ensuring strong, durable structures.
Common examples of green concrete mixtures are made up of recycled aggregates and other alternatives to virgin raw materials. That means less energy is spent over the entire lifecycle of the concrete, and fewer carbon emissions are produced, providing a sustainable, green construction material option.
Papercrete
The aptly named “Papercrete” refers to the use of recycled paper combined with cement to create a lightweight, moldable material. Like mycelium, paper might not sound like the strongest construction material at first. But it can actually be an exceptional additive to concrete mixes.
Though it has a much lower compressive strength than concrete, it can still play a role in many construction projects. Its exceptional insulating properties make it the perfect choice for soundproofing. It also provides good thermal regulation and is particularly useful as infill material or for use in smaller structures.
Geopolymer Concrete
Geopolymer concrete is another type of concrete aimed at reducing environmental impact. It replaces Portland cement with other materials that can serve as binding agents. It is highly durable and is suitable for a wide range of traditional concrete applications.
Geopolymer concrete also stands up to some common challenges that other types of concrete can’t. It is highly durable in acidic environments due to its chemistry. When exposed to harsh conditions, it holds up very well. With both general and specialized applications, geopolymer concrete is a sustainable choice for any project.
Recycled Aggregate Concrete
An aggregate is an essential component of any concrete mix. However, there are many different materials that can serve as effective concrete aggregates. Recycled aggregate concrete, for instance, makes use of construction and demolition waste, including crushed concrete, to replace more expensive aggregates such as new sand and gravel.
That not only provides cost benefits but also keeps more materials out of landfills. It reduces demand for new materials, helping reduce their environmental impact. And since it largely uses recycled concrete as an aggregate, it is still dependably strong and durable.
Fiber Cement
Lastly, fiber cement is becoming an increasingly popular option for a variety of construction uses. Made from a blend of Portland cement and cellulose fibers from wood pulp, it is a strong material that is resistant to cracking and warping, making it an ideal choice for fencing and wall applications.
Fiber cement also holds up very well in the long run, especially in terms of aesthetic appeal. Therefore, if you’re looking for concrete walls or fences and prioritize the appearance of your property, then fiber cement could be the best option for your needs.
Find the Concrete Wall and Fence Solution for Any Project
If you need functional and appealing concrete walls and fences for your next project, turn to American Precast Concrete. Whether you’re looking for privacy, security, noise reduction, or aesthetics, we have the concrete wall and fencing solutions to fully satisfy your requirements, ensuring the performance, sustainability, and cost you’re looking for.
Reach out today to talk about your project and discover the latest concrete solutions.