Ground improvement using recycled concrete aggregates as semi-rigid inclusion columns

The project evaluates the usage of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) as unbound and lightly-bound semi-rigid ground inclusion columns.

The construction industry is a major consumer of natural aggregates, which are essential components in the production of concrete. However, it also contributes to the excessive depletion of these natural resources and the massive accumulation of construction and demolition waste.

Utilising the nine million tonnes of demolition concrete that Australia produces annually, Hawks Excavation and Stretford Civil Construction have partnered with Swinburne University of Technology to evaluate the usage of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) as unbound and lightly-bound semi-rigid ground inclusion columns. This project involves extensive laboratory testing on RCA for its geotechnical properties and the development of a prototype fully-instrumented laboratory equipment to evaluate the performance of RCA and determine its viability as an alternative material for ground inclusions in ground improvement projects.

PROJECT PARTNERS

• Hawks Excavation (VIC) Pty Ltd,
• Stretford Civil Construction