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Twining, Inc. has pioneered green concrete, and is working on other sustainable construction materials.
Not that interested in the inner workings of concrete? Check this out.
Between three to seven percent of all carbon dioxide emissions in the world come from the process it takes to manufacture cement; it requires an extraordinary amount of heat.
CO2 emissions are caused by the decomposition of calcium carbonate, the major raw component, and the use of fossil fuels.
Second only to water, concrete is the most highly consumed material in the world. If concrete is going to continue to play such a large part in the world’s infrastructure—which it will—sustainable options are needed.
The construction industry at large is conservative by nature and doesn’t make big changes quickly, Twining, Inc. is pushing the market in a more environmentally friendly direction.
Known for “engineering a better tomorrow,” Twining was founded in 1898 and today engineers, tests, and inspects construction throughout the U.S.
“There are a lot of companies that do the some of the same things we do,” said Edward Twining Jr., CEO and Chairman. “Twining can do so much more.”
That is the central tenet of the company’s sustainability mindset. Twining is committed to the exploration and growth of green solutions for the industry.
“Our goal every day is to benefit our generation and leave the world better for the next. Sustainability is just one way we do that.” said Rob Ryan, Twining CEO and President.
Portland Cement is the most common type of cement in the world and utilizes the limestone mentioned earlier. Twining has developed a proprietary mix design that can replace Portland Cement in concrete with manufacturing byproducts and other sustainable materials to significantly decrease the carbon footprint of the final product.
Led by Dr. Boris Stein—an industry expert in all things concrete and Twining’s cementitious materials scientist—the company has performed in-depth research and test applications using a variety of materials including fly ash, silica fume, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), and other materials. When applied within Twining’s proprietary mix design, the final concrete product can meet complex performance criteria and is significantly more sustainable.
It’s been over 15 years in the making. A lot of research, networking, and working relationships with organizations like the International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC ES), the ASTM International, the American Concrete Institute (ACI), and the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), among others, have led to Twining being the first in the country to offer a sustainable concrete mix.
The company has forged a beneficial partnership with ICC ES to develop an acceptance criteria and listing service that makes this a viable alternative option to the market at large.
“Companies interested in capitalizing on the opportunity to sell alternative cement products to the construction marketplace can have their alternative cement evaluated and receive an ICC ES/Twining product listing. We have one client starting the certification process right now,” explained Ryan.
“We’re probably a couple of years away from more widespread use. But it was created to be included in products on the shelf at your local hardware store, so once it hits the industry, it’s going to hit big,” affirmed Twining.
This is just the beginning. Twining continues to contribute to the industry in so many different ways.
The company also uses crushed recycled aggregate materials in its designs for gutters, curbs, and other non-structure related concrete construction. This process redirects old concrete from demolished structures and infrastructure away from landfills and gives it new life.
What about used tires in landfills? Twining uses crumb rubber in asphalt pavements, which, according to Dr. Amir Ghavibazoo—a researcher at the forefront of the field of sustainable asphalt and Twining’s asphalt pavement expert—creates a smoother and better-performing pavement while reusing thousands of waste tires.
“Pushing the industry forward, researching the latest and greatest options, creating sustainable options—it’s all inherent in our DNA,” shared Twining.
Need more information? The company is currently working on a patent in pervious concrete, a highly permeable product that allows water—as well as all of the pollutants that are swept away by rain—to percolate through the concrete and into the soil below.
Twining, an established brand focusing on innovation to ensure the future of construction, and concrete, is working toward a sustainable future for construction.
Twining has been setting standards for over 100 years. We employ materials engineers and experts who have a true understanding of construction materials and their application in the field. We leverage this understanding to improve existing regulations and author new guidelines. By collaborating with regulatory agencies, our team members are able to bring about change that benefits both contractors and owners.
Through our own in-house research and partnerships with other industry innovators, Twining team members are also committed to identifying emerging materials and new technologies. We recognize and respond to social issues and industry changes including sustainability and the demand for long life projects. By expanding our capabilities accordingly, we are able to offer services that other laboratories do not.
Given our considerable knowledge and advanced capabilities, Twining is often called upon to provide training, teaching and instruction on the practical application of regulatory guidelines. Whether it is Just In Time Training (JITT), classes provided in client offices to our partner firms or presentations at new technology conferences nationwide, our experts readily share the knowledge we’ve gained through the years.
Twining, Inc. HQ
2883 East Spring Street, Suite 300
Long Beach, CA 90806
Phone: 562.426.3355
Fax: 562.426.6424
www.twininginc.com
