Sustainable Concrete Repair & Protection Products – The Impact on Renovation Works

Abstract

Repair and protection systems can have a positive impact on sustainability by prolonging the life of a structure and reducing the amount of new construction works. Over recent years, new products and technologies for use as concrete repair mortars and protective coatings, have been developed and launched on the market with lower environmental footprints than their traditional counterparts. To help visualise the environmental impact of these new technologies and products with improved environmental footprints, this paper will use a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) of a repair project in Johannesburg, South Africa, which was completed in 2021. Two different scenarios will be compared and assessed – the first, is an existing product range for concrete repair and protection works that was used on the project, and the second is an alternative solution using the new and more sustainable technologies-based product range. This paper will provide an example of the positive environmental impact for such asset owners, by using more sustainable concrete repair and protection materials, by focusing on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Abiotic Depletion Potential fossil (ADP fossil) indicators.