Throughout human history, the selection of building materials has continuously evolved. From the earliest wooden architectural structures to modern glass and reinforced concrete buildings, each type of material has its own advantages and limitations.
With advancements in science and technology, as well as societal development, the demand for architectural structures has also changed. During this process, some traditional building materials, such as red bricks, are gradually being phased out due to potential risks.
Hazards of Building with Red Bricks
1. Environmental Pollution
The production of red bricks causes significant environmental pollution.
The process of producing red bricks results in serious environmental pollution. The firing of red bricks requires a large amount of coal, leading to significant carbon dioxide emissions and exacerbating global warming. At the same time, the firing process generates a large amount of smoke and toxic gases, severely affecting air quality.
Production of red bricks causes considerable environmental pollution. The brick firing process emits CO2, NOx, SOx, and fine dust, contributing to climate change and affecting air quality.
2. Resource Wastage
The production of red bricks consumes a large amount of land resources. According to statistics, nearly 1 kg of clay is required to produce a standard red brick. In China, a significant amount of red bricks is produced annually, meaning a considerable area of agricultural land is used for brick production, leading to serious wastage of land resources.
It takes nearly 1 kg of clay to produce a standard red brick.
Red brick production requires a large land area for clay extraction and brick firing. Banning the use of red bricks will help reduce the need for clay extraction, contributing to land resource protection and mitigating deforestation.
3. High Energy Consumption
Buildings made of red bricks have poor thermal insulation and require a significant amount of energy to maintain stable indoor temperatures. This not only increases living costs for residents but also adds pressure on energy supply.
Red bricks have lower durability and load-bearing capacity compared to modern building materials.
Red bricks are inefficient in thermal insulation, leading to energy wastage in buildings. Utilizing newer building materials with higher energy efficiency will help minimize energy needs for heating and cooling, thereby contributing to environmental protection.
Moreover, red bricks have lower durability and load-bearing capacity compared to modern construction materials like concrete and steel. Banning the use of red bricks will promote the use of newer, higher-quality building materials, enhancing the safety and longevity of construction projects.
Reasons Why China Banned the Use of Red Bricks
Considering the above dangers, China has strictly prohibited the use of solid clay bricks in new construction projects, renovations, and expansions in urban areas. This aims to protect the environment, save resources, enhance energy efficiency in buildings, and promote the development of green construction.
In light of the issues and challenges posed by red bricks, the country is seeking new building materials to address these concerns. Future building materials must be green, environmentally friendly, and efficient. Here are some potential alternatives:
1. Steel Structure Houses
Steel structure houses are a new construction method, with the main advantages being high strength, good earthquake resistance, and short construction time. Furthermore, most components of steel structure buildings can be manufactured in factories, allowing for convenient and rapid on-site installation, significantly reducing noise and dust pollution during construction. Additionally, steel can be recycled and reused, aligning with green concepts and environmental protection.
Contractors are required to switch to using new building materials such as concrete, steel, lightweight concrete blocks, and green building materials.
2. Solid Concrete Construction
Solid concrete or concrete block is another popular building material with the main advantages of low cost, ease of construction, and good thermal insulation properties. Moreover, the production and use of solid concrete result in less pollution and are relatively environmentally friendly. However, solid concrete is heavier and has higher structural requirements.
3. Composite Construction
Building with composite materials is an emerging construction method developed in recent years. This construction method primarily uses new, high-strength, lightweight composite materials as the main structure, combined with energy-saving and environmentally friendly insulation materials, which can significantly improve energy efficiency and comfort in buildings. Furthermore, the production process of composite materials generates little pollution, making it a truly green building material.
Initial construction costs may be higher due to the higher prices of new building materials compared to red bricks. However, in the long run, utilizing new, more energy-efficient building materials may help save operational costs for buildings.
