SmartCrete CRC backs six projects in new funding round

Six collaborative R&D projects have been awarded a total of $3.2 million in funding from the SmartCrete Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), with a total of $14 million (cash and in-kind) to be invested. 

Participants in projects supported through the funding round were not mentioned, but the projects were described as “focus[sing] on developing innovative materials,  technologies, and building techniques” in a statement on Monday from the CRC.

SmartCrete has previously announced projects including to develop novel geopolymer coatings for rehabilitating concrete pipelines, graphene oxide-augmented concrete, and concrete incorporating calcined clay in a binder mix.

According to the CRC, it has invested just over $40 million of government and  partner funding in 39 projects across its three research streams of sustainable  concrete, engineered solutions and asset management.

“As we strive towards net zero, adopting sustainable solutions that minimise the environmental impact of concrete while securing the sector’s long-term viability is crucial,” said Clare Tubolets, SmartCrete CRC CEO.

“We invest in homegrown concrete innovations that have the potential to transform how we  design, use and manage concrete infrastructure.”

Picture: supplied

Further reading

CRC collaborative R&D speeds decarbonisation

Boral-led team investigates calcined clay in lower-carbon concrete

Cement and concrete sector releases report on decarbonisation by 2050