Sustainable concrete to cut energy demands

PROTECTING the coastline at Port Kembla from extreme weather while also minimising energy demands is the aim of a joint project involving NSW Ports and The Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living. The idea is to build low carbon Geopolymer concrete barricades based on waste from coal-fired power stations. Included is a 17-tonne Hanbar Geopolymer units used to monitor stability and integrity, also providing a benchmark for the future use of this material. Eleven geopolymer concrete blocks were placed on the Port Kembla breakwater in 2017 and are undergoing testing by researchers for durability and stability. The use of alternative concrete compositions is to cut energy consumption during the concrete making process, and using more environmentally friendly materials and waste products.