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Patented wood-based concrete: sustainable material could revolutionize the future of construction with durability and reduced environmental impact
Have you ever imagined that trees could one day support our homes? Well, that is exactly what wood concrete is all about, a material innovative that promises to revolutionize civil construction by offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative, helping to combat climate change.
What is wood concrete?
Wood concrete is made up of around 80% wood aggregates, usually derived from sawmill waste, which are mixed with cement and water. This combination creates a sustainable material with unique properties that set it apart from traditional concrete.
According to Laurent Noca, co-founder and technical director of CCB Greentech, "It is not enough to simply mix the elements to obtain concrete with adequate performance. The quality and selection of the wood, in addition to the specific grinding technique, are essential to guarantee the strength and durability of the material."
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Furthermore, CCB Greentech has patented a process for treating wood aggregates to optimize cement adhesion, stabilizing the concrete and improving its quality.
Benefits
Wood concrete stands out for its environmental advantages and efficient use of resources. Its main features include:
- Negative carbon footprint: The wood used stores more CO2 than is emitted during its production, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
- Thermal and acoustic insulation: Wood concrete has a natural insulating capacity, which reduces energy consumption for heating and air conditioning in buildings.
- Fire resistance: The material has greater fire resistance when compared to traditional concrete, ensuring safety without compromising weight.
These qualities make wood concrete an attractive option for sustainable construction.
Collaboration between science and industry
To further optimize the performance of the wood composite, CCB Greentech is partnering with the Polytech Clermont school and the Pascal Institute in an initiative called SWITCH (Sustainable wood insulation concrete for a transition to a low-carbon habitat).
According to the Polytech Clermont researcher, the initial goal was to understand how wood composite could help regulate temperature and humidity inside buildings. However, they quickly realized that the material could solve several other challenges in the construction sector.
With SWITCH, the main objectives include:
- In-depth analysis of material properties: Study how wood concrete behaves in different climatic conditions.
- Development of new formulas: Adapt the material for different types of construction, from houses to commercial buildings.
- Engineer training: Train a new generation of professionals specialized in sustainable construction.
Urban benefits of compost
In addition to its technical advantages, wood concrete has the potential to positively influence urban climates. Buildings made from this material could help to reduce temperatures in cities, creating cooler areas and reducing the heat island effect.
SWITCH is conducting research to understand whether cities made up mostly of wood concrete construction would be more resilient to global warming. As researcher Sofiane Amziane put it: “Simulations will allow us to evaluate the influence of this material on urban temperature and how it can contribute to a more pleasant climate in urbanized areas."
A concrete step towards the future
In view of the environmental challenges we face, wood composites emerge as a concrete and innovative alternative for sustainable construction.
With the support of initiatives such as SWITCH, which unites research, training and industry, wood concrete has the potential to become a standard choice in the construction of green buildings.
This technology is an example of how the union between science and industry can bring real solutions to global problems.
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