Boral has trialled a new recycled sand product which has been specifically created for Victoria’s North East Link project.
Boral has used the new recycled sand in concrete mixes, which has been created using crushed glass from end-of-life and damaged solar panels.
Spark North East Link Design & Construct Joint Venture has driven the project and engaged Boral to produce and trial concrete with the solar glass sand. The University of Melbourne has supported the development and testing of the project.
Boral sourced the solar glass from ElecSome, an Australian solar panel upcycling plant that collects end-of-life or damaged solar panels. The glass was crushed and processed at Elecsome’s recycling facility, then blended with up to 50 per cent natural sand.
“We’re excited to be leading the development of concrete mixes containing solar glass sand, an innovative new product that will be used in Victoria’s biggest project in history,” Boral’s head of sustainability and innovation, Dr Ali Nezhad, said.
“The success of this sustainable concrete mix in a commercial project provides an effective pathway for recycling of end-of-life solar panels and contributes further to sustainability of the construction and building industry.”
Boral created a variety of concrete mixes using the solar glass sand with test loads transported from the Tullamarine plant to its Bulleen Concrete Plant, which supplies the North East Link project.
A trial slab has been laid on-site. Boral has assessed the plastic properties including consistency and finishing, and has undertaken hardened property testing for compliance with relevant standards.
Dr Nezhad said results had been strong so far.
“At Boral, we are committed to finding ways to be more sustainable and push the boundaries of innovation. Our solar glass sand concrete trial demonstrates the ability and strength of reusing materials to create a circular economy,” he said.
“We are excited about the next generation of work being done around new and innovative building construction materials.”
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