Western Sydney University is part of a consortium that has been awarded $21 million to form the SmartCrete Cooperative Research Centre worth $90 million over the next seven years that aims to profoundly enhance Australia's knowledge and commercialisation of concrete.
Western Sydney University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Research, Enterprise and International) Professor Deborah Sweeney commended the CRC announcement.
"The CRC partnership is a highly-multidisciplinary collaboration that will create major benefits throughout the concrete value chain."
"From engineering of concrete with superior features, such as advanced cladding and reduced noise pavements, through to more appropriate disposal technologies, including concrete that absorbs carbon dioxide instead of releasing it, the CRC will lead Australia's advances in this essential material," Professor Sweeney said.
The SmartCrete CRC is a partnership led by Macquarie University with Western Sydney University and nine other universities and 20 government and industry partners. Chief Investigator, Professor Bijan Samali from the Centre for Infrastructure Engineering, will lead the university's research and engagement across the life cycle of the SmartCrete CRC.
"Through our involvement with the SmartCrete CRC, Western Sydney University will develop new technologies and capabilities for the engineered design and advanced manufacturing of concrete products."
"Through tailored expertise, we will support companies to make their products more efficient, from development through to commercial production within Australia and internationally," Professor Samali said.
Concrete is the world's most widely-used building material apart from water. It is used in vast quantities and is designed to last decades, if not centuries. The building and construction industry is heavily-invested finding innovations in the manufacture and use of concrete that enhances its beneficial properties and reduces impacts on the environment.
