RamenGacia

New sustainable concrete with recycled aggregates and recycled tyre steel fibres towards net zero transition

This project tackles the critical environmental issue of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) in Malaysia and the UK, where over 70 million tonnes of CDW is generated annually, with 80% of this being recoverable concrete. The goal is to develop high-strength Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC) using Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) and Recycled Tyre Steel Fibres (RTSF) from waste tyres, along with a novel Post-Tensioned Metal Strapping (PTMS) reinforcement technique. By doing so, the project aims to reduce the environmental impact of construction, promote sustainability, and address the global challenge of waste management.

This collaborative project between Monash University and the University of Warwick draws on the combined expertise of both institutions. Monash brings advanced experimental techniques to study recycled concrete materials, while Warwick contributes experience in recycled tyre fibres and external reinforcement technologies. Together, the teams are pushing the boundaries of civil engineering, leveraging a transdisciplinary approach to find innovative solutions to the challenges of low-strength RAC and sustainable construction practices.

Concrete accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions, and with rising construction demands, especially in rapidly urbanising regions like Malaysia, reducing the environmental footprint of concrete production is critical. Current practices downcycle concrete waste into low-value applications. Still, this project seeks to upgrade that waste into RAC, which can replace raw materials like sand and gravel in new construction. The use of RTSF in RAC has shown potential to restore concrete strength, while the PTMS reinforcement technique further enhances durability, making RAC a viable and sustainable alternative for construction.

The impact of this research extends beyond the academic setting. By reducing the need for raw aggregates and providing a solution to the waste tyre problem, the project has the potential to significantly cut carbon emissions and promote circular economy practices in construction. Malaysia’s growing construction industry, which produces over 9.5 million tonnes of CDW annually, stands to benefit from these innovations, as does the UK, where CDW is similarly problematic. The potential for global adoption of these techniques could revolutionise the way waste materials are used in construction, leading to more sustainable urban development.

The project is positioned for long-term impact, to achieve "zero concrete waste" by 2028 and "net zero" by 2033 in Monash and Warwick’s civil engineering laboratories. This aligns with global sustainability targets, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals focused on responsible consumption and climate action. Through this research, Monash and Warwick are pioneering new methods to create greener, more robust, and more sustainable building materials with lasting benefits for future generations and the environment.

Principle applicants

Sudharshan N Raman

Dr Sudharshan N Raman

Associate Professor

Malaysia School of Engineering

Monash University, Malaysia

Dr Reyes Garcia

Dr Reyes Garcia

Assistant Professor

School of Engineering

University of Warwick

Co-applicants

Monash University

Dr Yie Sue Chua,  Malaysia School of Engineering

University of Warwick

Dr Irwanda Laory,  School of Engineering

Third-party Fellows

Dr Saeed Pourfalah,  Concrete4Change Ltd