Informing Voluntary NSW Government Specifications for Low Carbon Concrete

Fly ash and slag can be used as ingredients in concrete to lower its embodied carbon and to prevent these industrial byproducts going to landfill.

While fly ash and slag have been used in concrete for some time to some extent, their use could be increased to maximise these sustainability benefits. More research was needed into the safety and performance of concrete made from these materials to support greater industry adoption.

In this project, researchers from the University of Technology Sydney conducted detailed research into fly ash and slag in concrete. They worked out the greatest possible proportions of fly ash and slag that can be incorporated into concrete while maintaining performance requirements. These performance requirements of constructability, mechanical and volume stability, and durability comply with Australian Standards (AS3600 and AS5100.5) and meet a 50-year and 100-year design life.

Researchers have translated these findings to inform voluntary specifications for NSW state agencies and local governments to use for their concrete procurement. The project leads an industry-wide shift away from prescriptive specifications and towards performance-based specifications that better facilitate the use of new and innovative materials.

READ PROPOSED SPECIFICATIONS

PROJECT PARTNERS

• New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
• NSW Environment Protection Authority
• University of Technology Sydney