SmartCrete CRC Partnership Shows Promise with Trial Pour of New Eco-Friendly Concrete Mix

As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, Daracon Group has partnered with SmartCrete CRC to trial a new, innovative type of concrete mix made from repurposed coal bottom ash – an industrial by-product typically sent to landfill in large quantities.

The project in partnership with SmartCrete aims to reduce the environmental footprint of concrete production by repurposing industrial waste into a high-performing, eco-friendly material, which helps to preserve the finite natural sand resources, typically needed to produce concrete.

Steve Butterfield, Daracon Contractor and Technical Expert, joined representatives from the University of Newcastle, Delta Electricity, and others for the trial pour at a community garden in Mannering Park NSW earlier this year.

“There is plenty of potential in concrete production for sustainability improvement through innovation in material mixes,” said Steve.

“By using coal bottom ash, we can divert wastage into cementitious material – this research partnership is a keyway for Daracon Group to lead the way forward when it comes to materials re-use.”

The test pour involved the new eco-friendly mix, alongside a control mix of general purpose concrete.

“Both the new mix and control mix performed well, with promising results with the Eco mix exceeding the specified strength target and showing no visible cracking or in situ issues with placement or finishing,” said Steve.

Steve will be joined by a slew of experts to discuss how industrial by-products could revolutionise concrete production in SmartCrete’s 'Sustainable Concrete - Power Industry By-products in Eco-friendly Concrete’ webinar event on May 20 at 12:30pm. Attendance at this online event is free of charge – register today to learn more about how SmartCrete and Daracon Group are shaping the future of concrete production.

Daracon Group operates a number of readymix concrete plants under their Daracrete brand. These batch plants are located in Cameron Park and Mt Thorley locations, with a third due to open at Heatherbrae in the coming month to support concrete supply across the Hunter Valley, Port Stephens and the Central Coast.