Civil and Environmental Engineering
This project investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of utilising recycled aggregates in concrete production. Recycled aggregates are derived from construction and demolition waste materials, such as concrete rubble, that would otherwise end up in landfills. By incorporating these recycled aggregates into concrete production, significant environmental benefits can be achieved by reducing waste generation and lowering the demand for natural aggregates. The investigation in this project entails conducting laboratory tests to evaluate the mechanical and durability performance of concrete made with various types of locally sourced recycled aggregates. Additionally, field tests will assess the performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) in comparison with traditional concrete as a benchmark. Moreover, surrogate models based on deep learning will be developed to predict different properties of RAC, considering various binder compositions and RAC ratios. These predictions can then provide theoretical guidance for engineers in designing RAC for practical applications. The outcomes of this project have the potential to make a substantial impact on the construction industry and the environment. By shedding light on the utilization of recycled aggregates in concrete production, this research paves the way for more sustainable and responsible construction practices.
School
Research Area
Civil engineering | Construction materials | Computer science | Electrical engineering | Mechatronics
- Research Environment
- Expected Outcomes
- Supervisory team
- Reference Material/Links
Our industry partner, Transport for NSW (TfNSW), has supplied a comprehensive dataset on the durability of RAC. The applicant is tasked with developing an AI model to predict the durability performance of RAC, which will subsequently undergo evaluation through experimental verification.
- A technical report or a conference/journal paper will be produced as an outcome of this project.
References:
Bai, G., Zhu, C., Liu, C., Liu, B., 2020. An evaluation of the recycled aggregate characteristics and the recycled aggregate concrete mechanical properties. Construction and building materials 240, 117978.
Deng, F., He, Y., Zhou, S., Yu, Y., Cheng, H., Wu, X., 2018. Compressive strength prediction of recycled concrete based on deep learning. Construction and Building Materials 175, 562-569.
Ding, T., Xiao, J., Tam, V.W., 2016. A closed-loop life cycle assessment of recycled aggregate concrete utilization in China. Waste management 56, 367-375.
Hussain, C.M., Paulraj, M.S., Nuzhat, S., 2021. Source reduction and waste minimization. Elsevier.
Liu, K.-H., Zheng, J.-K., Pacheco-Torgal, F., Zhao, X.-Y., 2022.
Innovative modeling framework of chloride resistance of recycled aggregate concrete using ensemble-machine-learning methods. Construction and Building Materials 337, 127613.