Returned concrete aggregate as virgin aggregate replacement

Each year, about 30 million cubic metres of ready-mix concrete is produced in Australia, and as much as 4% of it (around 1.2 million cubic metres) is unused and returned to the plant.

The disposal of returned concrete has become increasingly difficult and costly due to the scarcity of dumping sites. The disposal process also poses significant environmental risks, particularly the potential for harmful leaching into groundwater.

This project, spearheaded by Curtin University alongside Main Road Western Australia, CCAA and Holcim Australia, aims to develop returned concrete into a viable alternative coarse aggregate that reduces the carbon footprint associated with quarrying and transporting virgin aggregate. The reuse of the returned concrete as aggregate will be a significant contribution to the circular economy, saving tonnes of returned concrete from being sent to dumping pits in Australia each year.

PROJECT PARTNERS

• Main Road Western Australia,
• CCAA,
• Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd