The versatility, aesthetics and cost-efficiency of concrete have changed the face of South Africa’s landscape with architects, designers and engineers now increasingly regarding concrete as their preferred building material, says Bryan Perrie, CEO of Cement and Concrete SA (CCSA).

Low-impact, eco-friendly concrete has become the cornerstone for unrivalled sustainability of a wide and diverse range of construction and infrastructural projects, Perrie feels.

For the designer and architect, concrete not only provides a dynamic range of colours, finishes and unlimited design possibilities but also creates structures with superior durability and vital environmentally friendly features, including reduced energy performance. The extended lifespan derived from concrete significantly conserves resources by reducing maintenance and the need for reconstruction. Designs that take advantage of the thermal mass and structural integrity of concrete have produced many award-winning projects globally.

The aesthetic appeal of concrete can be showcased in a variety of finishes. Exposed aggregate and off-shutter finishes are just two categories of decorative surface finishes. These techniques, coupled with coloured aggregates, pigmentation, design flair and imagination, as well as professional practical implementation, form the basis of the many stunning concrete structures all over the world.

Concrete can be manufactured to an extensive range of specifications to suit a wide variety of applications by using different mix designs or adding different materials in the concrete mix.

When it comes to concrete cladding, concrete constantly enhances the range of textures and finishes available to the designer. Precast concrete cladding allows for fast enclosure of a structure, enabling other building trades to start work sooner, thereby cutting construction time while reducing wall thickness to maximise rental space. The precast panels are extremely durable, weather-resistant, soundproof and inherently fire-resistant.

“Advanced construction techniques, such as ‘flying formwork’ systems, can increase the speed of floor construction. As a concrete frame progresses upwards, workers on the completed floors below can, for example, proceed with interior partitioning, exterior finishes, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems,” say Perrie.

He says concrete offers both aesthetic appeal and economy. Its strength, durability and natural thermal mass produce structures that require low maintenance while providing high durability with economical energy efficiency. “Concrete is the competitive building solution based on initial cost, long-term durability, energy efficiency, low maintenance and operational costs, as well as opportunities for future modification and re-use should the occupancy of the building change,” he states.

As an inert material, concrete is also easily recyclable. Old concrete that has reached the end of its service life can be re-used as aggregate for new concrete mixtures. The addition of industrial by-products such as fly ash, silica fume and blast furnace slag will also enhance the performance of concrete and, at the same time, usefully employ materials that would otherwise be deposited in precious landfill sites.

Perrie believes there is a strong need for South African architects to increase their knowledge of the full potential and qualities of concrete. Enrolling for suitable training courses offered by the CCSA School of Concrete Technology is an ideal starting point, he says. “The School of Concrete Technology’s five-day Concrete Technology training course, to be presented in Midrand, Durban and Cape Town this year, is the ideal course for architects and civil and structural engineers. Successfully completing this course will provide these professionals with essential technological concrete knowledge and boost their career advancement opportunities,” Perrie adds.