We use more concrete than any other material other than water. However, each tonne of concrete has a significant carbon footprint and the technical press is full of articles on new ways of reducing that carbon footprint by modifying its constituents. There are many ways of doing this, most of which involve changes in the internal chemistry of the finished product. Concrete is made from cement, fine and coarse aggregates, and water. To this may be added other materials or admixtures, such as superplasticisers to increase workability during placement on site, set retarders or accelerants for hot or cold climate work, or even corrosion inhibitors for aggressive conditions where the steel reinforcement needs extra protection.
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