Long Term Engineering Performance of Carbonated Recycled Aggregate Concrete

OBJECTIVES

Create a strong, durable structural-grade concrete mix using carbonated recycled materials

Understand how the recycled materials bond within the concrete structure

Test how well this concrete performs over time under real and simulated conditions

Measure how the concrete holds up against weathering and ageing

Assess the environmental and cost benefits over the full life of the concrete

Team

Vivian Tam

Lead Researcher

Khoa Le

Research Fellow

Anthony Butera

PhD

Partners

Western Sydney University

Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia

Linyi Lantai

Zhengzhou Dingsheng

Inoway

Progress

SUMMARY

This project is developing a new kind of concrete made with recycled materials that have been treated with CO₂—called carbonated recycled aggregate concrete. The research compares how this concrete performs in the lab versus how it behaves in actual construction settings. The team is examining the structure of the material, its strength, and how it weathers over time. The goal is to help bring this product—referred to as CO₂ Concrete—closer to industry use. A pilot version is being developed for Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia to trial.

OPPORTUNITIES

Access to research funding focused on low-carbon construction materials

Potential for large-scale industry use through Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia

A shift in how concrete is made, using captured carbon and recycled waste.

Strong basis for partnerships with government and infrastructure developers

Opens up new pathways for circular economy leadership and education in construction materials