High performance precast elements for building constructions - A contribution to the disruptive change of mineral components

Concrete (NPC) is the most commonly used building material worldwide, which also has great development potential in terms of resource and energy efficiency as well as in terms of production, recyclability and durability. A possible further development that sums up this development potential is high-performance precast elements from concrete and steel composit as well as from the material ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). When used appropriately to the material, savings of up to 85 % in resources and up to 65 % of GWP (GWP = E = CO2e) can be achieved. With appropriate application, an immediate reduction in resource and GWP- consumption in new buildings would be possible. The high durability of the UHPC material and the use of modular prefabrication in production add to the advantages. We can only meet the stringent requirements of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) via the residual budget available for the industry up to climate neutrality if we are ready to immediately implement measures for resource and climate efficiency with the technologies that are already available. It will sometimes be a major task of politics to quickly implement these requirements for the construction industry through regulations. The embodied energy (PENRT) of our constructed buildings already accounts for approx. 25 % of global CO2e consumption with a strong upward trend and we builders, especially planners and prefabricated part manufacturers, are required to select the material, the structure and the production of components to make an immediate contribution. This report uses innovative high-performance prefabricated structural elements to show the advantages over conventional reinforced concrete construction in terms of recyclability, durability and potential savings in resource and GWP consumption for roof, ceiling and wall elements as well as staircase and balcony elements. Concrete amounts of savings can be specified in t CO2e on the basis of a concrete apartment prototype that is manufactured with these high-performance prefabricated parts. The implementation of existing technologies can lead to significant changes in the construction industry and requires choose, want, courage and repeat on the part of those involved. In this regard, we are all called upon to make a contribution together.