Concrete is one of the most used building materials in the world. It gains strength over time; resists weathering, erosion and natural disasters; and needs few repairs and little maintenance. Why, then, are we not using it to build our roads?

According to Bryan Perry, managing director of the Concrete Institute, South Africa is not seriously considering concrete for road building either as concrete or as concrete block paving (CBP).

In a country where cost effectiveness and sustainability are central to procurement decisions, authorities have yet to realise the numerous benefits of using concrete in road building.

Perry, who authored the book Concrete Roads: A Sustainable Solution, will be tackling this subject at this year’s African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo.

The publication covers the environmental, economic and social aspects of concrete pavements and draws on international experience to demonstrate that concrete pavements are a sustainable solution for South Africa.

In the book, Perry gives the following definition of sustainability in roads and pavements:

“Sustainable pavements make efficient use of natural resources and respect the environment during their entire life cycle; they improve transport facilities for the entire community, and provide services to society in terms of mobility, safety and comfort by means of judicious choices regarding design, construction, maintenance and demolition.”

Sustainability in road construction

The concept of sustainability in road construction is gaining momentum as bodies such as Green Roads and LEED raise awareness in the same way the Green Building Council has for buildings.

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