8% of worldwide CO2 emissions result from cement manufacturing, the adhesive used in concrete. For years, scholars and scientists have been suggesting eco-conscious and more sustainable options. However, concrete ranks as the second most extensively utilized material after water, which explains why discovering an alternative is difficult. There might be a solution for residential and low-rise constructions, or rather two, when the materials are combined. The remedy incorporates rammed earth, also referred to as compacted soil, along with cardboard reinforcement. Indeed, that cardboard.
Investigators discovered that cardboard-confined rammed earth (CCRE), which essentially compresses soil into inexpensive cardboard tubes, significantly bolsters the strength of cardboard alone by over tenfold. This strength exceeds that of using concrete to stabilize the compacted soil. Furthermore, CCRE provides “significant reductions” in carbon emissions and has a lifespan of approximately 25 years for CCRE by itself. Meanwhile, the lifespan reaches up to 75 years when using both cement-stabilized rammed earth and concrete. It is important to note that there is a distinction between concrete and cement, linked to their composition, manufacturing process, and ecological footprint. Nevertheless, combining these materials can greatly enhance lifecycles, thereby prolonging the longevity of the buildings or structures they are incorporated into, another reason why concrete remains a preferred choice at present.