The future is sustainable concrete solutions. But what does this look like?
Callum O’Neill is Managing Director of Green ConcreteProducts (GCP), an end-to-end provider of sustainable concrete flooring solutions. He’s the first point of call for many large organisations when it comes to advising on, identifying, implementing, and maintaining greenconcrete solutions into their projects.
Here, Callum offers us his five key tips on what constitutes a true sustainable concrete solution, and how it can be achieved through revolutionary thinking.
1. ONE-TIME, PERMANENT APPLICATION: Selecting the correct concrete curing product and method is critical. A one-time application that achieves the strength requirements, whilst eliminating the need to remove film forming curing compounds, will enable a time saving, cost-effective, environmentally friendly lifelong solution.
2. LOW MAINTENANCE: Non-suitable curing compounds and application methods can result in costly floor maintenance for the end-user, and sub-optimal floor performance. Callum’s pick is Ashford Formula™, a green by design product and penetrating densifier. “It’s easier to apply than other products – same-dayof-pour application – and more cost-effective over the life of the floor. The treated surface helps resists dust, oils, greases, and other surface contaminants. It’s an investment for your business and the environment.”
3. EXCEEDING CONCRETE CURING STANDARDS: Concrete can be cured for strength without using traditional film-forming curing compounds. Manufacturer, CureCrete Distribution, has tested the effectiveness of Ashford Formula™ as a curing agent, with all results showing it meets or exceeds the concrete strength requirements when used alone.
4. LONG-TERM LIFE: A sustainable concrete floor will deliver outcomes such as controlling hairline cracks in new concrete and producing a floor that’s resistant to wear. Also ensure the warranty is manufacturer-backed and states the product will remain water-repellent, dust proof, hardened and abrasion resistant.
5. A TRUE COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY: Sustainability is no longer just a tick box. Select a concrete curing product that produces no fumes, vapours, and that’s free from volatile organic compounds – e.g., a non-film forming product that extends concrete life, achieves concrete strength requirements, and improves ongoing indoor air quality.
CASE STUDY
GCP trialed three curing regimes for an American big box retailer’s 12,000m2 warehouse floor, to ascertain differences in performance. The results spoke for themselves and were verified by independent testing. “There was no apparent advantage in applying a curing compound on surfaces already cured with Ashford Formula™,” said Callum. “Using this product alone we achieved full compressive design strength, exceeding standards, and delivered a more durable concrete slab that’s sustainable, easy to maintain, and provides longevity through a 20-year-to-lifetime, manufacturer-backed warranty. How we look at curing and curing standards needs to change.”
Could GCP hold the key to revolutionary thinking around sustainable concrete solutions and curing methods? Are penetrating densifiers that cure and meet strength requirements the way forward? In the eyes of many GCP clients it’s certainly a significant first step, and one they’re all committed to supporting.
GCP takes a lifecycle approach to delivering sustainable concrete solutions. GCP is backed under licence from CureCrete Distribution, Inc, in the global concrete floor densification and polishing marketplace.
Contact: Callum O’Neill, MD, 1300 057 042, info@greenconcreteproducts.com.au.