Construction Innovation

Innovation is another word for creativity. Creativity is thinking outside the box. Innovators think outside the box and create new and unique products. These products help the industry it was designed for, especially in the construction industry. New innovations have developed safer and more efficient ways of building. Workers have access to new safety and construction equipment, leading to a more efficient workplace. Project managers are able to quickly direct plans and workers. Companies see an increase in revenue because of innovations in the industry. As a client, their dreams can be made much faster and efficiently. Hopefully, technology will continue to advance and develop into amazing innovations. 

Tarmac's Topmix Permeable

One innovation that I found very interesting is the permeable concrete.  This concrete, created by Tarmac, can absorb up to a 1000 gallons of water a minute. The absorbed water can be efficiently directed to water treatment centers with little harm to the environment. This allows for urban flooding to be greatly reduced. For example, hurricane Joaquin recently devastated the city of Columbia with massive flooding.

Flooding in Columbia, South Carolina

The flooding has claimed 19 lives and has closed over 300+ roads. With the permeable concrete, the flooding would have been greatly reduced. Lives and homes would have been saved. Not only does the permeable concrete can reduce flooding, it acts as a natural filter for the water. The pervious aggregate and soil will act as the natural filter. The water can be recycled more efficiently and reduce urban city waste. 

Water Run-Off

The permeable concrete is a fairly new innovation and has a few problems. One problem is its strength. It is not as strong as normal concrete, therefore it can only be used in light traffic area. Another possible problem is its susceptibility to fail in colder climates. Water could settle within the concrete and freeze. The expansion of the water could damage the concrete and cause it to crumble. A major problem would be the cost. Replacing the roads with the permeable concrete would cost a lot of money and take a lot of time. Taxes or some other source of revenue will have to be used to fund the project. Also, the traffic due to road closures would be horrendous. Especially in bigger cities, traffic would cause many people to spend less time with their families and have other unintended consequences. However, I believe the permeable concrete would be a common material as it improves its strength and durability. 

As the permeable concrete becomes more cost efficient, it will be readily used throughout the construction industry. Newer cities and residential areas will consist of roads made with permeable concrete. Even buildings could use the permeable concrete to absorb water in its base. The recycled water could be used in the bathrooms or to water the grounds. Many cities and suburbs will see a reduction in flooding and many lives would be saved. Permeable concrete will eventually replace standard concrete. 

Innovations in the construction industry benefits everyone that is involved in the process. Buildings are built bigger, stronger, and more efficiently. Companies are seeing a massive increase in revenue and the workers are much safer. Without innovations, the world would still be in the dark ages.