ᐅ Are additives in concrete avoidable?

Created on: 22 Apr 2020 03:39
U
unser_schloss
Hello,

I would like to avoid additives in the concrete for our waterproof concrete basement (WU) as much as possible. I have heard different statements from various construction companies, ranging from "no additives are necessary" to "I cannot influence that, the concrete plant decides" and even "there's a lot of chemicals in it."

Are additives necessary, or can they be completely avoided? Can the construction company order a specific mix from the concrete plant, or do they have to accept whatever is currently being offered?

Thank you for your answers.
andimann23 Apr 2020 08:29
Hello,
nordanney schrieb:

cement production causes huge environmental damage (CO2 emissions you can hardly imagine -
Yep, that’s quite significant. For our house alone, the CO2 emitted just from the cement in the concrete will be about as much as our so-called harmful gas heating system will produce over the next 15 years. Almost 10 years of that is due to the basement made from waterproof concrete and the basement ceiling.
So, if eco-friendliness is important to you, you might have to do without a basement...

Best regards,

Andreas
G
guckuck2
23 Apr 2020 08:37
If you care about ecology, you should above all avoid new construction. Everything else is meaningless.
B
Bookstar
23 Apr 2020 08:40
It's better to install a ventilation system. Harmful substances are quickly removed from the house this way. I wouldn't recommend experimenting with concrete and waterproof basement construction.
H
haydee
23 Apr 2020 09:14
Healthy living does not necessarily mean ecological.
H
HilfeHilfe
23 Apr 2020 10:51
unser_schloss schrieb:

Thank you for all the constructive comments.
Yes, we want to build in a healthy way, and frankly, I’m surprised that this is being met with so much ridicule here. I’m aware of what chemistry is, so there’s no need to explain that here.
I have read recommendations regarding healthy living that advise against additives in concrete. So far, I have not been able to find out exactly which additives these are. Terms like accelerators, retarders, and plasticizers have been mentioned. I was also told that you can’t say in advance because it apparently depends on the temperatures what is added.

There is chemistry in every material.

Otherwise, it’s not ridicule if you choose, for example, a log house, but even then, nature is being destroyed and the materials are not transported ecologically. And for the foundation slab, you still need good old concrete.
T
tumaa
23 Apr 2020 15:01
@TE, I also prefer healthy options, but sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and go with concrete!!!