Reducing The Footprint Of Society On Nature, Without Compromising Our Standards

Abstract:

This work presents a concept for using electrochemical principles, concrete technology, “green facades” and a recently designed pulse cathodic protection (CP) technique (as corrosion prevention or protection) in order to achieve a novel and ecologically friendly solution for deteriorated or new reinforced concrete structures. Fig.1. Schematic presentation of the “green” cathodic protection concept“Quality of life” is becoming a main issue in modern urban environments. Except corrosion-related durability issues for reinforced concrete structures, some important and emerging concerns, are: reduction of the “heat island effect” in hot seasons (and reduction of heat release in cold seasons); reduction of noise transmission, reuse, recycling and energy savings. Traditionally, the aims of “green facades” or “roofs” are to create benefit for both nature and humans. On a more technical basis, energy saving by isolation (in summer periods); microclimate improvement and capability of plants to adsorb air polluting substances are aimed. All these are very important, but are actually considered to be with a (more or less) aesthetical purpose mainly. Our concept suggest a combined application of pulse CP and green facades, by using an innovative bio-foam cement based layer as an anode cover (Fig.1).The paper integrates electrochemistry, concrete material science and biotechnology aspects and will discuss the principles of the novel pulse CP for reinforced concrete, preliminary studies on concrete as a “growing medium” for green facades and the concept for combination of these in achieving sustainable and durable solutions in civil engineering applications.

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