Adil M asked:
I was wondering which one is more eco-friendly and I need a brief description of why one and not the other.
I was wondering which one is more eco-friendly and I need a brief description of why one and not the other.
Thank You.
Thanks for the answers so far guys, but what I want to initially know is on the whole, which one do you think is the more eco-friendly and why.
Kansieo.com
You would have to count the total energy cost over the life of the bridge. As well as the safety issues.
As well as the effect on the local environment.
Difficult call. On balance, the concrete bridge would win because of its longevity. Unless you think that dead humans and decaying wood are good for the environment.
you could make arguments for either one.
A wood bridge has to be replaced every few years (2-3?), unless you use pressure treated wood (which is not very green!). And the cost and labor of that replacement has to add to the ecological load.
A concrete bridge uses just rock (limestone) and minerals (steel rods) that are recyclable and very abundant. And it will last 20-50 years.
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A well made concrete bridge should last indefinitely. Chop a tree down and you have removed part of the eco system, and you will have to repeat the exercise as the bridge needs repairs and replacement.
concrete takes a large amount of energy to make and is can not be recylcled. Yes it can be broken down but material always concrete and must be used as infill etc. However wood can be recycled or allowed to decay to mother nature. As for the use of wood causing depletion of the environment. Use the well known concept of wood farming. Whenever you use wood plant more trees and your future generations will have a constant supply of timber.
A concrete bridge would be more economical in terms of money, hard weariness, size and more environmentally friendly in the long term.
A timber bridge would be more economical in the short term and for very simple bridges like the ones you see in the jungle, as it is biodegradable, easier to construct without machinery.