A fastening inside concrete which is splintering to reveal the steel fibres inside.

Projects

Technical Guidelines on Fire Performance of Fastenings in Low-Carbon Concrete


1 Oct 2024 - 31 Mar 2027
Swinburne University
$887,115 (Cash + in-kind)
Engineered Solutions

Challenge and proposed solution

If the concrete sector in Australia is to reach net zero by 2050, more sustainable low-carbon concrete needs to be used. However, industry won’t accept these materials unless they can be used safely and to-code.

While the National Construction Code and several road authorities require fastenings for infrastructure projects to be designed for fire conditions, there are no design guidelines under the Australian Standard for such fastenings. That means at present, the only way to build infrastructure with low-carbon concrete is by purchasing expensive fastenings that have been run through time-consuming overseas tests verifying their fire safety.

In this project, researchers at Swinburne aim to make low-carbon concretes more convenient and cost-effective to use by developing clear technical and design guidelines for fastenings under high temperatures. They will conduct extensive tests to assess the performance of fastenings to low-carbon geopolymer and steel fibre reinforced concretes. They’ll then use the data to develop design guidelines for safe and efficient fastenings to low-carbon concrete. The results of the study will lead to standardised guidelines and prequalification procedures that design engineers, manufacturers, contractors and certifiers can use to build infrastructure with low-carbon concrete.

 

 

A fastening inside concrete which is splintering to reveal the steel fibres inside.


PROJECT PARTNERS

  • Swinburne University of Technology
  • Leviat Pty Ltd
  • Hilti (Aust.) Pty Ltd
  • Hobson Engineering Co Pty Ltd
  • Wurth Australia Pty Ltd
  • ITW Australia Pty Ltd
up close photo of an assortment metal fastenings in different lengths and thicknesses
A fastening inside concrete which is splintering to reveal the steel fibres inside.
A photo of the a grey metallic pyramid fire chamber with yellow tubes coming out of it.

Testimonials

“If the sensing technologies developed in this project are deployed and taken up by industry as a whole, we can make a massive difference to the cost savings and public safety by maintaining these concrete assets for longer than they’re meant to last.”


Dr Martin Ams, Project Lead, Macquarie University

“This project with SmartCrete has allowed us to work directly and closely with industry partners to continue developing technology for their needs. It has allowed us to develop a tangible product with a clear path to commercialisation.”


Dr Martin Ams, Project Lead, Macquarie University

“This project has demonstrated the potential of graphene oxide to enhance both the strength and durability of concrete, and the collaboration between industry and universities is essential in turning research into practical, real-world applications.”


A/Prof Sorn Vimonsatit, Project Lead, Macquarie University School of Engineering

“Using RCA for natural aggregate substitution in stone column application offers a viable option for valorising and reutilising such waste materials, ultimately supporting the conservation of natural resources and promoting a shift toward a circular economy.”


Farshid Maghool, Senior Engineer and Geotechnical Laboratory Manager, Swinburne University of Technology

“We always need to clarify with industry, Is that a suitable method? Is what we’re proposing going to actually work? So having this opportunity to be working with industry and funded by SmartCrete CRC a really great way of doing research and development, with the ultimate goal to translate research and impact out of the university.”


Alex Stumpf, Lecturer, Engineering Department | RAMPS, La Trobe University

“The biggest thing is safety in construction. It’s to make sure that the application is going to be installed correctly, that designers can use a methodology or use a standard that will give them a desirable outcome, preventing any failures.”


Brett King, National Technical Manager, Leviat

“We had great joy working in this project with the Geotechnical team at Swinburne as well as with other engineering companies and the SmartCrete CRC. We look forward to further collaborations with this team.”


Peyman Bahraml, Stretford Civil Construction Pty Ltd