Why choosing the right reinforcement type matters

Leading Bekaert’s R&D team within the construction division, Hendrik Thooft offers profound insights into the crucial role construction materials play in terms of CO2 emissions and sustainability. In this interview, Hendrik delves into the environmental impact of construction materials and the significance of steel solutions in mitigating these effects.

What role do construction materials play in terms of CO2 emissions?

Hendrik Thooft: The construction sector is among the biggest sources of global greenhouse gas emissions. When we look at a typical building’s lifecycle, the energy it requires to construct and to keep it running is very high. However, as energy consumption and production are becoming “greener” (insulation, green energy sourcing), emission from materials will constitute a bigger share of emissions. Did you know that just three materials – concrete, steel, and aluminum – are responsible for 23% of total global emissions? As we deliver steel solutions for the construction industry, it is not just our collective responsibility to make our solutions as green as possible, it is also what our customers expect from us. 

“ Our reinforcement solutions are designed with a long-term vision […] we reinforce them to last.

Does the choice of concrete reinforcement type matter?

Hendrik Thooft: Absolutely. Steel fibers for concrete reinforcement are inherently more sustainable than traditional solutions (nets/cages) for a variety of reasons, and it can lead to significant CO2 savings (up to 35%). Through advanced steel fiber design optimization, we succeed to design thinner, but equally durable concrete slabs, which require significantly less concrete, steel and water than conventional reinforcement solutions. 

We can even further optimize design by adding our high performance 4 and 5D steel fibers.  In comparison with “normal” fibers, need fewer kgs of steel per dose and to further lower the concrete thickness to achieve the results you need.

Even for elevated slabs we have developed an innovative reinforcing system, combining PC strands with Dramix steel fibers to reduce the overall amount of steel. 

We constantly strive to develop more sustainable reinforcing solutions.

Aren't steel fibers just a small part of what's really polluting, the concrete?

Hendrik Thooft: When we look at the key constituents of carbon emissions in 1 cubic meter of traditionally reinforced concrete, we see that steel accounts for 19% of emissions. Not only can this figure significantly be reduced by using Dramix solutions (up to 35% less steel needed), but it also can also reduce the concrete required in general. Further, looking at a project’s entire lifecycle, our reinforcement solutions are designed with a long-term vision: e.g., instead of a floor which constantly needs repairs and in doing so more concrete and more steel, we reinforce them to last.

“ Steel can be reused without any downcycling. […] It is infinitely recyclable.

What about recyclability and the concept of a circular economy?

Hendrik Thooft: Lifecycles and recyclability is a topic which, according to me is under highlighted in the sustainability and “climate change” discussion. Less than 9 % of what is produced annually is being recycled. Over the last 50 years the worlds consumption has nearly quadrupled. Mankind is depleting the earth’s natural resources at an ever-increasing speed and turning parts of the dessert in one huge waste belt.  If we continue like this, resources will run dry at a given moment in time. We really don’t want to end up in such a situation...

That’s why I am happy to be working for a company working with steel. Steel is a product, once recuperated, can be reused without any significant downcycling. Plastics, for example can be recycled up to a certain point, but the quality is degrading by every cycle. Steel, on the other hand, is infinitely recyclable, which means steel from a steel fiber can be remelted and reused in, say, a car or spaceship. 

Steel fibers offer more robustness to the concrete structure, expanding the lifetime. This is already a first gain. Together with some partners, we are currently doing research on how the recuperation of steel fibers can be further optimized. The aim is to extract the maximum amount of steel, with the minimum amount of energy, keeping useful fraction of the crushed concrete. Because also the concrete and needs to be split into reusable fractions.  

It’s a challenge, but I’m convinced, technology and innovation will be essential to offer solutions in our drive towards a circular economy.

We can help you make the correct choice

We hope you now see why it is important to select the correct steel fiber for your intended application to ensure optimal performance and durability of the reinforced concrete structure. At Bekaert our experts are always willing and available to give you specific recommendations and help you make the correct choice. Feel free to contact us with your questions about the correct steel fiber to choose for your specific application.