Timbercrete is a very new material in the construction industry. Construction industry is evolving with innovative material like timbercrete. In this blog post, we will discuss about timbercrete.
Timbercrete is an eco-friendly material which is made from a mixture of sawdust and concrete. The key advantage is that waste products can be reused and replaces some energy-intensive components of conventional concrete.
Timbercrete is available in various color combinations and can be used as bricks, blocks, panels, and pavers. A desired texture can be made on the surface of timbercrete.
There is very less carbon emission and it compensates for the emissions released by the polluting vehicles.
Its weight is very low due to less density. It possesses high thermal insulation which is very important for sustainable cities. It is normally used in residential buildings.
Table of Contents
Components of Timbercrete
Timbercrete comprises of six key components as listed below.
- Timber waste
- Cement
- Sand
- Binders
- Non-toxic deflocculating additive
Characteristics of Timbercrete
- Its density is low. Density varies from 900 Kg/m3 to 1500 Kg/m3.
- It can bear load upto 15 MPa.
- If the thickness of timbercrete is more than 200 mm then it is work as 200 mm brick.
- It is thermal resistant.
- Its weight is low compared to the traditional concrete.
- It is also work as a flame resistant.
- It does not erode easily.
Advantages
- Low carbon emission.
- Embodied energy is low compared to traditional clay bricks.
- It is more energy efficient due to thermal insulation.
- It store thermal energy for longer period of time and releases it slowly.
- Timbercrete can be screwed and nailed easily. This is very good advantage over conventional concrete.
- It is light and less dense. It occupied more space. Placing and transportation is easy.
- It can be manufactured easily at low cost.
Disadvantages
- It is not much strong.
- Load bearing capacity is low.
- Can not use for structural members such beams, columns and slabs.
Uses of Timbercrete
- Residential, industrial, and commercial buildings.
- Landscaping design.
- Acoustic barriers for highways.
- Acoustic and fireproof walls for multi-story apartments.
- Cladding panels.
- Wall partitions.