Researchers in Victoria are testing a new green concrete mix that uses old, shredded hi-vis vests and carboard to improve tensile strength and replace a component of cement.
Hi-vis vests only last around 20 washes and does not biodegrade in landfill, poisoning the ground soil and leaching into waterways, according to Assembled Threads CEO Edwina Walsh. After receiving a grant from Sustainability Victoria, the company reached out to Melbourne’s Victoria University to see if the vests could somehow be recycled.
The university research team is working with Outwest Concrete, Assembled Threads and Textile Recyclers Australia on the trial car park at Hoppers Crossing. Around 16 tonnes of carbon emissions were reduced in producing the 1000 m² slab.
The site will be closely monitored over the next 12 months to see how it holds up in all weather conditions and with traffic. It will be measured for any cracks, indents, or leaching.
Once the performance testing is completed, the idea is to use the concrete mix in car parks, footpaths and driveways and potentially expand the application in Australia and internationally, even to structural elements such as columns and beams.
Glen Outten from Outwest Concrete said recycling was the way of the world: “If we can use products to stop [them] going to landfill by using them concrete; it’s just a no brainer really.”
Image: Concrete pour at Hoppers Crossing. Credit: Victoria University.
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com