The government has decreed that as of September 27, all construction of public works will be legally required to use recycled aggregate. (Image: Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 28 (Korea Bizwire) – The government has decreed that as of September 27, all construction of public works will be legally required to use recycled aggregate.
By doing so, the government expects natural aggregate usage to drop by 382 million tons while generating 37.5 billion won in various societal benefits.
“Aggregate” is an industry term that refers to a mixture of gravel, sand and stone. Used in concrete, it can be recycled by extraction from crushed concrete, asphalt, bricks and other construction materials.
Under the government’s announced regulations, the Korea Express Corporation must use recycled aggregate for roads at least 2.75 m wide and 1 km long with a paved surface of 9,000 square meters. Construction of roads in farming and fishing communities must include recycled aggregate for roads at least 200 m long with a paved surface of 2,000 square meters.
Local governments will be able to pass ordinances setting limits on required proportions of use and on the types of public works that the central government’s regulations will apply to.
By doing so, the government expects natural aggregate usage to drop by 382 million tons while generating 37.5 billion won in various societal benefits. (Image: Yonhap)
Non-frost susceptible fill – soil deposits installed to stave off the freezing and subsequent cracking of roads — will also need to be composed of recycled aggregate.
An official with the Ministry of Environment said that the announced measures will reduce environmental damage caused by the mining and production of construction aggregate.
S.B.W. (sbw266@koreabizwire.com)
