Brief 

Discover Montreal’s Darwin Bridges, a leap in eco-friendly construction with recycled glass concrete that slashes CO2 emissions. 

 

 

Insight

Montreal’s architectural landscape has embraced sustainability with the construction of the Darwin Bridges on Nuns’ Island.

Replacing two 60-year-old bridges, these new structures are a testament to green innovation, utilizing recycled glass in their concrete composition. This ingenious approach has been developed through a 17-year research collaboration with Université de Sherbrooke and Ville de Montréal, resulting in a significant reduction of the carbon footprint by 40 tonnes.

The inclusion of finely ground recycled glass as a substitute for 10% of the cement in cast-in-place concrete represents a remarkable application of sustainable practices within civic infrastructure.

The Provencher Roy architects’ design not only echoes environmental responsibility but also enhances functionality. The bridges span 37 meters each and feature wider pathways, LED lighting, and inviting green spaces, ensuring safety and comfort for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Moreover, these bridges aren’t just a local feat. They contribute to a global conversation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in construction, aligning with similar research efforts by Nanyang Technological University and Deakin University.

Provencher Roy’s ground-breaking initiative with GGP (ground-glass pozzolans) positions the Darwin Bridges as a pioneering project, showcasing the practical use of 40,000 kilograms of locally sourced recycled glass – the equivalent of 70,000 wine bottles.

While the concept of glass in concrete isn’t entirely new, the application in the Darwin Bridges is. This project is set to pave the way for future sustainable construction, promising a lifespan of over 125 years. The Darwin Bridges not only stand as a symbol of innovative engineering but as a beacon of hope for environmentally conscious construction methods that can be replicated worldwide.

 

Highlight

  1. The inclusion of finely ground recycled glass as a substitute for 10% of the cement in cast-in-place concrete represents a remarkable application of sustainable practices within civic infrastructure.
  2. Roy’s ground-breaking initiative with GGP (ground-glass pozzolans) positions the Darwin Bridges as a pioneering project, showcasing the practical use of 40,000 kilograms of locally sourced recycled glass – the equivalent of 70,000 wine bottles.
  3. This project is set to pave the way for future sustainable construction, promising a lifespan of over 125 years.

 

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