Incorporating biochar from a particular type of tree into non-structural concrete, and potentially structural concrete for data centres, is being put under the microscope.
Biochar, a stable carbon-rich material produced from biomass, is a potential solution to reduce emissions in concrete while enabling long-term carbon sequestration, according to NoviqTech subsidiary, Coralia.
Swinburne University has teamed up with Coralia to advance biochar applications in low-carbon concrete, specifically looking at data centres as Australia’s growing demand of the tech infrastructure is projected to more than double within the next four years.
Phase 1 of the program will assess the technical and commercial feasibility of incorporating biochar derived from the Chinese apple/Indian jujube tree (Ziziphus mauritiana), common in Queensland, into non-structural concrete.
Following the Phase 1 program, Coralia will be seeking concrete industry partners to commence commercial trials of its biochar enhanced concrete in addition to applying for numerous grant opportunities to accelerate the project.
This is where Phase 2 comes in – to evaluate scalability and structural concrete applications for data centre infrastructure.
The research will include feedstock and biochar characterisation, concrete mix design, performance and durability testing, accelerated ageing, and environmental assessment under tropical and coastal conditions.
Swinburne University of Technology will develop testing methodologies, quality assurance frameworks and regulatory pathway assessments aligned with relevant Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 4455.2.
The program will also consider industry developments and prior pilot applications of biochar in construction materials including full-scale prototype structures using biochar-enhanced concrete.
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Image: Coralia
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