SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE USE OF INNOVATIVE, HIGH PERFORMANCE, "GREEN" CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to analyse the defining characteristics of today's construction materials and focus on an innovative, heat-insulating material with a cellular structure and closed pores, obtained from basalt powder. It also has a completely non-polluting production technology, an abundent raw material and is called „Basalt foam„. It is anticipated that "Basalt foam” will have superior characteristics compared to the materials curently used both in terms of overall performance and imbeded energy. Analyzing the proprieties of the basalt rock and the characteristics of other ceramics foams, it is anticipated that the new material will have the following characteristics: • Low density ( 25 N/mm2 (the brick has 20 - 40 N/mm2). Having a very good compression resistance, better than that of ceramic blocks and at the same time better insulating properties, this new material could be used as a viable replacement. Regarding the impact on the environment, this material can be fully recycled through a simple technology: grinding at appropriate granu