Cement Eclipses

Synopsis

Isaac Cordal ...is a sculpture artist from London. His sculptures take the form of little people sculpted from concrete in 'real' situations. Cordal manages to capture a lot of emotion in his vignettes, in spite of their lack of detail or colour. He is sympathetic toward his little people and we empathise with their situations, their leisure time, their waiting for buses and their more tragic moments such as accidental death, suicide or family funerals. His sculptures can be found in gutters, on top of buildings and bus shelters - in many unusual and unlikely places in the capital. This book is the first time his images have been shown in together in one book dedicated to his work, many images never seen before. Cordal's concrete sculptures are like little magical gifts to the public that only a few lucky people will see and love but so many more will have missed. Left to their own devices throughout London, what really makes these pieces magical is their placement. They bring new meaning to little corners of the urban environment. They express something vulnerable but deeply engaging.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Rise of the Cement Industry

The chapter explores the early history of the cement industry, from its humble beginnings in ancient Egypt to its rapid expansion during the Industrial Revolution. It discusses the key technological advancements that made cement production possible, such as the invention of the rotary kiln in 1885.

Real Example: The construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s required an unprecedented amount of cement. Over 3 million cubic yards of concrete were poured, made possible by the use of advanced cement production techniques.

Chapter 2: The Environmental Impact of Cement

The chapter examines the negative environmental effects of cement production, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. It discusses the various pollutants released by cement plants, such as particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.

Real Example: In 2015, China, the world's largest cement producer, was responsible for over 50% of global cement-related CO2 emissions. Cement production in China has contributed to severe air pollution in major cities.

Chapter 3: Sustainable Cement Alternatives

The chapter explores potential alternatives to traditional cement that have a reduced environmental impact. It discusses eco-friendly materials such as geopolymers, recycled concrete, and bio-based cement.

Real Example: In 2020, a new cement-free building material called CarbonCure Technologies was introduced. CarbonCure injects captured CO2 into concrete, reducing its carbon footprint by up to 20%.

Chapter 4: The Future of Cement

The chapter examines the future of the cement industry and discusses the challenges and opportunities it faces. It explores the potential for carbon capture and storage technologies to mitigate emissions, as well as the development of more sustainable construction practices.

Real Example: The European Union has set a goal of reducing CO2 emissions from cement production by 40% by 2030. This is driving innovation and research in sustainable cement technologies.

Chapter 5: Cement and Society

The chapter highlights the social and economic impacts of the cement industry. It examines the role of cement in infrastructure development, affordable housing, and community well-being.

Real Example: The construction of the Great Wall of China, completed over centuries, relied heavily on cement technology for its durability and longevity. Cement has played a crucial role in the development of human civilization.

Chapter 6: Conclusion

The concluding chapter summarizes the key points discussed in the book and emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability in the cement industry. It calls for continued research, innovation, and collaboration to create a more sustainable and resilient future for the cement sector.