À feu et à sable - #DATAGUEULE 92

Summary

This transcript explores the crucial role sand plays in the modern world, being the second most exploited resource after water. Sand is essential for various industries, including construction, electronics, and energy. Each year, billions of tonnes are extracted, with countries like China and India leading the production of concrete. The video also highlights the challenges of sourcing sand, particularly for construction projects like Dubai's Burj Khalifa, where desert sand was unsuitable. The preferred sand for construction is river-sourced, naturally shaped by water over hundreds of years.

Takeaways

• 😀 Sand is the second most exploited resource in the world, after water.
• 😀 Approximately 40 to 45 million tonnes of sand are extracted annually for various industries like glass, electronics, energy, and construction.
• 😀 The construction industry consumes more than half of the sand extracted, primarily for concrete, cement, and mortar.
• 😀 In Western countries, sand consumption for construction averages between 4 and 8 tonnes per person per year.
• 😀 In fast-growing countries like China and India, sand and aggregate consumption is double the rate of Western countries.
• 😀 China and India together account for 2/3 of the global production of concrete.
• 😀 Despite deserts being full of sand, it is unsuitable for construction due to its softness, leading to imports of sand from places like Australia.
• 😀 Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world, used 300,000 m3 of cement, none of which came from desert sand.
• 😀 The most preferred sand for construction comes from riverbeds and mountain streams, where the grains are rounded by years of water flow.
• 😀 The sand extraction industry has significant environmental implications, impacting ecosystems and resources globally.

Q & A

What is the second most exploited resource in the world?

Sand is the second most exploited resource in the world, after water.

How much sand is extracted every year for various industries?

Around 40 to 45 billion tonnes of sand are extracted every year for industries such as glass manufacturing, electronics, energy, and most significantly, construction.

What is the primary use of sand in construction?

In construction, more than half of the sand extracted is used in concrete, cement, and other types of mortar.

What factors contribute to the increasing demand for sand?

The growing demand for sand is driven by rapid urbanization and industrial growth, particularly in countries like China and India, which are major consumers of concrete and aggregate.

Which countries consume the most sand for concrete production?

China and India together account for two-thirds of the global production of concrete.

Why is desert sand not used for construction?

Desert sand is too smooth and fine, making it unsuitable for construction. The preferred sand is rougher and shaped by water, often sourced from rivers and mountains.

Where did Dubai source sand for the Burj Khalifa?

Dubai had to import sand from Australia for the construction of the Burj Khalifa, as desert sand was not suitable for the project.

What is the significance of the Burj Khalifa in terms of construction?

The Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest skyscraper in the world, required 300,000 cubic meters of cement and stands 828 meters tall, showcasing the immense scale of modern construction.

What is the role of sand in cement production?

Sand plays a crucial role in cement production, being a major component of concrete, which is the foundational material for modern construction and infrastructure.

How does sand extraction impact the environment?

Sand extraction can lead to significant environmental damage, including habitat destruction, water pollution, and the depletion of natural sand sources, especially in regions where sand is not sustainably sourced.