Glass-Infused Concrete Bridges: Eco-Friendly Crossings

The use of traditional cement in concrete production is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. To address this issue, Provencher Roy architects chose a more environmentally friendly approach for two bridges in Canada.

These bridges, known as the Darwin Bridges and situated on Nuns’ Island in Montreal, were constructed using concrete infused with locally sourced recycled glass. This innovative choice significantly reduced their carbon footprint.

The previous bridges had been in use for nearly six decades, but they had narrow sidewalks and a drainage problem beneath them.

Glass-Infused Concrete Yields Impressive Greenhouse Gas Reduction

The newly constructed bridges employed cast-in-place concrete, incorporating a blend of 10% finely ground recycled glass as a substitute for cement as a binding agent. Provencher Roy claims that this approach led to a remarkable reduction of 40 tonnes (44 US tons) in greenhouse gas emissions.

It’s worth noting that other teams, such as Nanyang Technological University and Deakin University, have also explored the use of glass in making environmentally friendly concrete, making this concept not entirely novel but rather a fresh application of existing ideas.

Provencher Roy emphasized the innovative nature of this project, stating, “This groundbreaking endeavor builds upon 17 years of research into the integration of ground glass into civic infrastructure, conducted in collaboration with the Université de Sherbrooke and Ville de Montréal”.

GGP as a Green Cement Alternative

A world-first, this patented GGP (ground-glass pozzolans) invention, developed entirely in Québec, was introduced as a ternary binder, making a direct environmental impact by curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The GGP replaced the conventional cement, utilizing 40,000 kilograms (88,185 lb) of locally recycled glass, equivalent to 70,000 wine bottles.

Enhanced Features of the New Darwin Bridges: Safety, Accessibility, and Aesthetics

In fact, the recently unveiled bridges, with their graceful curves and a 37-meter (121-foot) span, represent a significant upgrade from their older counterparts. They provide enhanced safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, featuring wider walkways and modern LED lighting. Furthermore, a verdant, plant-filled area has been incorporated to enhance the aesthetics of the exposed concrete.

Although the new Darwin Bridges have been in use for some time, their official opening took place only recently. If everything goes as planned, these bridges are anticipated to remain in service for more than 125 years.

Read the original article: New Atlas

Read more: Experimental HiLo Building Reduces The Concrete Need And Accelerates Sustainability