Even though some kinds of concrete were used by the old Egyptians and Romans, the building composite manufactured today has a more recent history, deriving from the discovery of Portland cement during the 19th century. However, the world is full of structures built prior to the discovery of concrete, and a research topic into alternative materials could look at historical buildings and their construction components. European castles and palaces, South American adobe houses and U.S. colonial buildings survived the strain of the ages without the use of concrete. By researching the traditional building materials, solutions might be found to replace concrete with composites that have been used traditionally, including mud, adobe or wood.
The production of cement, the main ingredient of concrete, is associated with large energy consumption and CO2 emissions that give the material a poor environmental reputation. A research topic for concrete alternatives can include the environmental impact the production or harvesting of the replacement materials, including wood, steel, synthetic foam and polystyrene, can have. An increased demand of wood for foundations might result in deforestation, while steel production is associated with depletion of natural resources, high emissions and energy usage. Polystyrene manufacturing involves the use of harmful chemicals, as does the production of the synthetic foam used in frost protected shallow foundation. Other environmental topics can include groundwater pollution through necessary use of protective coats on wood or steel, or possible soil erosion as a result of digging practices.
Various habitats can have different effects on the materials used in foundation construction in the area, and a research topic can cover the problems these natural influences can cause on certain known alternative materials to concrete. The southern regions of the U.S. experience regularly occurring infestations of termites that easily can bring down wooden or foam foundations of a house, as can woodworms and bugs in other areas. Consistent wet and cold in northerly regions might have an effect on steel foundations by producing corrosion. Also, soil consistency varies from region to region and will have a different impact on building materials.
Regions that are in danger of being exposed to natural disasters, including floods, storms and earthquakes, often have to apply additional building codes and regulations when building foundations and erecting new structures. A research project on alternative materials to concrete can include the durability of wood, steel or foam under extreme conditions. Steel and wood combined with rubber have proved to be a protective measure for structures in earthquake areas. Wood is also suggested as an alternative material in flood-stricken areas, while steel might be more suitable as a defense against tornadoes.