In 2015, the CRC for Low Carbon Living continues to forge ahead with its innovative research on geopolymer concrete as one of the most promising high volume applications of fly ash.
The 2013 Scoping Study identified that the major barriers to geopolymer adoption was the lack of standard specifications, track record and exclusion from current standards (e.g., AS 3600). (http://goo.gl/8VKp49)

Another project submitted to the CRC-LCL in 2014 aimed to gather field data from geopolymer real-life constructions to develop greater confidence in geopolymer use. Using the field and laboratory data, a comprehensive Handbook for geopolymer specification will be developed and published through Standards Australia. Additionally, a pilot program will develop lightweight aggregates based on fly ash to produce lightweight concrete which reduces energy usage in buildings. Current technologies for producing lightweight aggregates using sintered fly ash involve carbon intensive processes. This project aims to develop low carbon processes based on geopolymerisation and alternative methods for producing aggregates from fly ash.

Partner organisations include the ADAA, ASA, UNSW, Swinburne University of Technology, AECOM, Sydney Water and Standards Australia. The project coordinators also obtained letters of support from the main Australian geopolymer concrete suppliers: Zeobond Pty Ltd, Wagners Concrete Pty Ltd as well as RMS Pavement Structures, Transport & Main Roads QLD, Vicroads and Milliken Infrastructure Solutions. In February 2014, this new project was approved by the CRC-LCL Board with a cash contribution of $1.1 million in combination with the In-kind contributions from partner organisations of $1.8 million, totaling over $3.1 million.

The ADAA will continue to keep members informed of any updates on the CRC-LCL throughout 2015. For more information, visit: http://www.lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au