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December
THIS ISSUE - DECEMBER 2019
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The ADAA Partners with Sydney Metro
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Concrete 2019
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The Future of the CRC for Low Carbon Living
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Geopolymer Concrete Trials
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LOW C3 2020
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Jane Aiken Article
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Concrete Institute of Australia Golden Jubilee
STANWELL POWER STATION
Editorial
ROCKHAMPTON QLD
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www.adaa.asn.au
CCPs - a valuable resource
10 Write for Coal Ash Matters
Phone: 02 4228 1389 Fax: 02 4258 0169 Email: info@adaa.asn.au
Website: www.adaa.asn.au Twitter: @adaa_info
Views expressed in Coal Ash Matters newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Ash Development Association of Australia. All contributions are welcomed, though the publisher reserves the right to decline or edit for style grammar, length and legal reasons. ©2005-19.
COAL ASH EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor: Dan Webb
Chief Executive Officer: Craig Heidrich
Design: 101 Design
Contributors: Dan Webb, Craig Heidrich, Concrete Institute of Australia, Jane Aiken,
Circulation: 2000
Coal Ash Matters is a bi-annual publication ADAA | DECEMBER 2019
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Membership COMPANY MEMBERS A primary role of the ADAA is to bring together producers and marketers of coal combustion products (CCPs). Our activities cover research and development into CCP usage, advocacy and technical assistance to CCP producers and users, as well as a forum for the exchange and publication of CCP information. For more information visit us at www.adaa.asn.au CURRENT MEMBERS • BG&E Materials Technology • Boral Quarries & Recycling • Brickworks Ltd • CS Energy • Delta Electricity • Dr. Jane T Aiken Consulting & Environmental Services • Energy Australia (NSW) • Golden Bay Cement (New Zealand) • Heeleys Consulting • Hyrock (NSW) • Intergen (Millmerran) • Latrobe Magnesium • NRG Gladstone Power Station • Origin Energy Eraring Power Station • Roads and Maritime Services • Sphere One • Stanwell Corporation • Synergy • Tremline Pty Ltd • Ultimate Housing • Vecor Australia RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIPS • CSIRO www.cmit.csiro.au • Association of Canadian Industries Recycling Coal Ash (CIRCA) www.circainfo.ca • European Coal Combustion Products Association (ECOBA) www.ecoba.org • UK Quality Ash Association www.ukqaa.org.uk • American Coal Ash Association www.acaa-usa.org • World Wide Coal Combustion Products Network (WWCCPN) www.wwccpn.org
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ADAA | DECEMBER 2019
Editorial We here at the Ash Development Association of Australia (ADAA) are proud to say that it has been a very successful year for Coal Combustion Products! As we all know, one of the most difficult aspects of our Industry is to disseminate accurate information about CCPs. This edition focuses on the latest research and upcoming events in the industry across Australia and the rest of the World. Our featured article in this edition of Coal Ash Matters talks about an exciting prospect between the ADAA, UNSW & Sydney Metro. UNSW Professor, Stephen Foster & ADAA CEO, Craig Heidrich, spoke to Sydney Metro about the low carbon ‘geopolymer’ concrete opportunities using the primary binders of GGBFS and fly ash in pavement and concrete-related structures using conventional design and construction methods. As well as giving the attendees an insight into the achievements of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living projects the meeting discussed emerging commercial applications of low carbon ‘geopolymer’ concretes. We also touch on the success of the CRC for Low Carbon Living over the last 7 years. The Ash Development Association of Australia has proudly partnered with the CRCLC since they very beginning. This project was Australia’s leading research and innovation hub dedicated to driving the nation’s-built environment sector towards a globally competitive low carbon future. This issue also highlights a number of conferences across the globe. The ADAA was lucky enough to attend the Concrete Institute of Australia’s biennial conference, Concrete 2019. The theme of the conference, “Concrete in Practice –Progress through Knowledge” covered topics such as materials, research, design, construction and innovation. The Conference provided a forum for the sharing of ideas and experience through the formal presentations, industry displays and contact between delegates. There are plenty of exciting events relative to Coal Ash to look forward to in 2020. • LOW C3 2020 in Kentucky USA, Clean Coal Technologies Conference in Texas, USA; • 15th Global Slag Conference, Exhibition & Awards in Vienna, Austria, the Construction Materials Industry Conference (CMIC) 2020. Each of these events offer valuable networking forums and opportunities for the exchange of technical knowledge in the areas of CCP utilisation and future innovation. More information is provided later in this edition. The ADAA would like to wish members all the best with their pursuits throughout 2020 and we thank you for continuing your involvement with the Association.
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to you all!
The Ash Development Association of Australia and the University of NSW recently met with Sydney Metro to discuss all things Geopolymers. Our Chief Executive Officer, Craig Heidrich and UNSW Professor, Stephen Foster, were given the opportunity to meet with Sydney Metro sustainability personnel to share “what we have learned from our seven (7) year research journey into low carbon ‘geopolymer concrete”. Stephen & Craig spoke about the low carbon ‘geopolymer’ concrete opportunities using the primary binders of GGBFS and fly ash in pavement and concrete-related structures using conventional design and construction methods. As well as giving the attendees an insight into the achievements of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living projects the meeting discussed emerging commercial applications of low carbon ‘geopolymer’ concretes. The presentation was extremely well received Craig Heidrich said, “the attendees were particularly interested in the development of the Geopolymer Handbook and the work as part of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRC-LCL) in partnership with Standards Australia, as it will help drive innovation in the low carbon concrete across the supply chain”.
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our projects. Prof Foster responding that the Handbook is in its final stages with Standards Australia. Prof Foster said “the next steps for increasing the understanding and commercial uptake of low carbon ‘geopolymer’ concrete is getting more project on the ground, and working out how to share risk.
the attendees were particularly interested in the development of the Geopolymer Handbook and the work as part of the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living (CRC-LCL) in partnership with Standards Australia, as it will help drive innovation in the low carbon concrete across the supply chain. Craig Heidrich - ADAA Chief Executive Officer
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Sydney Metro Assistant Sustainability Manager, Laura Pritchard, who arranged and facilitated the meeting, expressed keen interest in the publication of the Geopolymer Handbook and inclusion of a performancebased standard in AS3600, in particular when, suggesting that it will be of great assistance in paving the way for getting low carbon concrete used in
ADAA | DECEMBER 2019
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CONCRETE 2019 The 29th Biennial National Conference of the Concrete Institute of Australia was held at the International Convention Centre in Sydney, NSW.
Taking place from 8th of September to 11th of September 2019. The focused theme for Concrete 2019 was: Concrete in Practice –Progress through Knowledge. The Conference began with registrations at 8.00.am with the plenary sessions underway by 9.00.am. The ADAA was represented by Dan and Alex who travelled from Wollongong to Sydney early last Monday morning to press the flesh on the ICC Exhibition floor. While our CEO, Craig Heidrich, was presenting his first talk of the conference.
The Ash Development Association of Australia exhibit was manned during all breakout sessions. Over the duration of the Conference, many domestic and international delegates were keen to ask technical questions in regard to the end uses of the products displayed. The ADAA exhibit included displays of sample materials, product/membership information, past editions of CAM as well as lollies and the famous USB man. An iPad was used to feature the Association’s website and proved a useful tool in demonstrating to delegates how simple it was to find industry reports, technical documents, member information/details online. The host city of Sydney provided both the international and domestic delegates with an opportunity to admire some of Australia’s most impressive Concrete structures. Three of these – the Sydney Opera House, the Anzac Bridge, and the Gladesville Bridge – formed part of the Concrete 2019 logo.
Conference Highlights included: • 5 keynote speakers • 500+ registrants networking, including 140+ international delegates • 60 exhibiting companies, 13 sponsors • 140 technical papers and presentations The theme of the conference, “Concrete in Practice –Progress through Knowledge” covered topics such as materials, research, design, construction and innovation. The Conference provided a forum for the sharing of ideas and experience through the formal presentations, industry displays and contact between delegates. It was the Concrete industry’s pre-eminent technical and social event in the southern hemisphere for 2019. The technical program was of value to practicing Civil and Structural Engineers, Engineering Academics, Concrete Product Manufacturers, Civil and Building Contractors, Developers, Government Departments (covering Transport, Roads, Railways and Public Works) and Local Government Shires and Councils. For more information Don’t hesitate to contact us! Email us at info@adaa.asn.au or call us on (02) 4228 1389
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ADAA | DECEMBER 2019
THE FUTURE OF THE CRC FOR
LOW CARBON LIVING For the last 7 years, the Ash Development Association of Australia has partnered with the CRC for Low Carbon Living. This project was Australia’s leading research and innovation hub dedicated to driving the nation’s built environment sector towards a globally competitive low carbon future. The CRC for Low Carbon Living expects to exceed all of its founding goals in carbon emissions reduction, national economic benefit, education, planning and policy. The CRCLCL has allowed academics the opportunity to undertake enduser-driven research projects, conducting vocational training programs and supervising HDR students. As a network they will generate new initiatives and best practice and encourage low carbon uptake and action in the broader community. If you would like to collaborate with any of the Nodes you can find their contact details here. UNSW reports that as a result of the increased industry appetite for research developed by the CRCLCL, over 90 urban building experts from business, government, and planning and research institutions have committed to establishing a Future Cities CRC in Round 21 of the CRC Program. The ADAA would like to thank all those involved with the CRC for Low Carbon Living. So much has been achieved over the last 7 years and our work will blaze the trial for more important research in the future.
FOUNDING GOALS
10Mt
CO2e cumulative savings delivered by 2020
7 YEAR RESULTS
12.8Mt
CO2e cumulative savings by 2020 and over 100Mt by 2027
$684m $1.116b in economic benefit delivered to Australia by 2027 Benefit cost ratio of 2.9:1
in economic benefit to Australia by 2027 Benefit cost ratio of 9.5:1
88
52 graduated
higher degree research students graduated
with skills in the low carbon built environment sector
Provide a high quality evidence base for low carbon planning and policy
plus 41 expected to graduate by 2020
Deliver research, tools and evidence to improve planning and policy
ADAA | DECEMBER 2019
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WORLD FIRST In the first trial of its kind, we’ve taken industrial waste from coal-fired power stations and steel manufacturing to create a new roadway.
Working with researchers from the University of NSW, we’ve replaced a section of roadway on Wyndham Street in Alexandria to test the green concrete’s durability. Made from fly ash and blast furnace slag, geopolymer concrete is a sustainable blend of concrete and recycled materials. The City of Sydney is putting the environmentally friendly building product to the test on a busy inner-city street, replacing a 30 metre section of roadway on Wyndham Street in Alexandria. To test the green concrete’s durability, the City has laid 15 metres of traditional concrete and 15 metres of geopolymer concrete, a sustainable blend of concrete and recycled materials. Wyndham Street is a major road leading to Sydney Airport and the high volume of traffic provides perfect conditions for the trial. Nine sensors have been positioned under the concrete to monitor and compare how the geopolymer concrete performs. UNSW Sydney researchers and the CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) will use results from the trial to create the first set of industry guidelines for geopolymer concrete.
Our CEO, Craig Heidrich, said ‘the benefits to our Association in the Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living are multifaceted. We anticipate our investment, collaboration with City of Sydney will lead to the publication of our learnings about geopolymer concrete research in the public domain will only further de-mystify and promote the wider specification and use of geopolymer concrete in construction. From an industry perspective the advantages we see for the use of geopolymer concretes relate their; engineering properties, durability, performance, energy reduction and low carbon footprint when used in construction applications’. Mr Heidrich added ‘It’s a fundamental tenet in business that you need to be constantly innovating and investing into new technologies. The Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living has provided an platform to engage with research organisation, supply chain participants and partner with end user organisations such as Ports NSW and City of Sydney and deliver real examples of geopolymer concrete use’. According to Dr Tommy Wiedmann, Associate Professor of Sustainability Research at UNSW, if all concrete produced in one year was geopolymer instead of traditional concrete, 12,000 kilotons of CO2 would be saved. Geopolymer generates just 300kgs of CO2 per tonne of cement, compared to 900kgs from traditional cement production. The carbon emissions savings is equivalent to the electricity used by an average household every 2 weeks. With 70% of the concrete produced today going into pavements and footpaths, using products like geopolymer concrete for our roads and footpaths has great potential to further lower emissions from our operations. As a major road leading to Sydney Airport, Wyndham Street’s high traffic volume provides the perfect conditions for the trial. with all stakeholders involved (suppliers, delivery partner, client, etc). Prof Foster believed Sydney Metro is well-positioned to take some leadership in this respect. Want to know more? Want to know more about the CRC for Low Carbon Living and our publications on low carbon ‘geopolymer’ concrete? Click Here.
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ADAA | DECEMBER 2019
ADAA | DECEMBER 2019
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Dr Jane T Aiken
SOIL BENEFITS TO PLANTS ARE THE REASON ASHES SHOULD NOT BE WASTED Scientific papers provide scientists with the right amount of information to replicate, review, and to establish knowledge on any topic of interest. One such article is the paper titled ‘Effect of Clean Coal Combustion Products in Reducing Soluble Phosphorus in Soil, Adsorption Study'. The publisher is Springer (2013) the journal is Water Air Soil Pollution , volume 213 page 1524.
The paper presents facts about coal combustion products of furnace bottom ash (FBA), fly ash (FA), and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD) and how to benefit the soil, its chemical and mineral stability. The ashes, in this case, were sourced from South Australia, Queensland, and Illinois US, respectively.
The authors, two Australians Balaji Seshadri and Nanthi S Bolan, present their study with Anitha Kunhikrishnan of the chemical safety division of the Department of Agro-Food Safety of the National Academic of Agricultural Science, Republic of Korea. The essence of their article is that the various ashes from coal combustion, when mixed with various Australian soils, retained the nutrient phosphorus. The presumption being that phosphorus is beneficial to plant growth and soil health generally. The benefits were best with FBA > FA > FGD. Not only is phosphorus involved. The phosphorus needs to link with other minerals, calcium, iron, and aluminum, that all occur naturally in soil and typically in coal ashes.
Dr Jane T Aiken is the Principal of Consulting & Environmental Services and a member of the Ash Development Association of Australia (ADAA) participating with the National Technical and Education committee. This article is the first in a series for Coal Ash Matters presenting a summary communication from the scientific literature for general readership on matters involving soils and coal ash.
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ADAA | DECEMBER 2019
Our good friends at the Concrete Institute of Australia will celebrate 50 years in 2020. The Institute was originally formed when members of the Australia Prestressed Concrete Group proposed a change in 1968 where it was resolved to adopt the name Concrete Institute of Australia. This occurred in May 1969 and the first meeting of Council was then held in July 1969 which was chaired by Mr William (Bill) Brown who was elected as the first National President. Following this the Institute was officially registered as a company limited by guarantee with approved Memorandum and Articles of Association on 17th April 1970.
To celebrate this momentous occasion the Concrete Institute of Australia is proud to announce the launch of its Golden Jubilee 50 Year Celebrations that will take place in 2020. A Celebration of Concrete A nationwide “birthday party” will be held on Friday 17th April 2020 in all the state capital cities. All the birthday party events will be joined together by a national video hook up. During the hook-up, each state will cut a birthday cake, and this will be followed by a sharing of their highlights and acknowledging those people and projects which over the previous 50 years have helped make the Institute the successful organisation it is today across Australia.
Concrete Institute of Australia Medal During the Golden Jubilee the Institute will recognise those who have made significant contribution to the formation, growth, and development of the Concrete Institute Australia over its first 50 years with the Concrete Institute of Australia medal. The Institute has been blessed to have had so many incredible contributors over its lifetime, but some have gone over and beyond the line of duty. The recipients of this honour will be announced in early 2020, and the medallions will be officially presented at the national symposium to be held later in the year.
National Symposium To help celebrate the Concrete Institute of Australia’s Golden Jubilee a traveling roadshow will take place in September 2020. The theme of the symposium will be to look to the next 50 years and where concrete should or could go as a building material. Stay tuned to hear about some big name key note presenters from overseas and Australia, who will be joined by local presenters from the research, innovation, design, constructability, sustainability, and material sectors.
Young Member Involvement Throughout the 50 year celebrations in 2020 the Institute will also include the members who will take the organisation through for the next 50 years. Our young professionals will have opportunities to be involved throughout the year with competitions, seminar participation, committee involvement, and through the National Symposium.
If you would like to contribute you can send any information you may have to CEO, David Millar, by email at history@concreteinstitute.com.au, by post (or in person) to Level 4, 53 Walker Street North Sydney, NSW, 2060, or by phone on (02) 99551744.
ADAA | DECEMBER 2019
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MEMBERSHIP SURVEY REMINDER CCPs produced from coal-fired power stations represent useful sources of raw materials for a range of applications and products. In addition to the new ash produced each year, the ash already stored (estimated to be in-excess of 400 million tonnes) in ponds and other storage sites represents shallow-lying mineral deposits that are more readily accessible than many equivalent geological materials. The utilisation of CCPs in a variety of both high and low value add products helps to conserve natural resources such as sands and gravels. This reduces the environmental impact that would otherwise be caused by mining these resources. In addition, the need to construct additional storage facilities at the power stations can be deferred or even eliminated. The ADAA conducts an annual survey for information regarding CCP production and sales by members and non-members for each calendar year to determine the utilisation of CCPs annually. Information provided by members and non-members is collated and then aggregated into a national set of results and include CCP production levels and nominated uses for all CCPs. The survey results include all generators, marketers, (processing and marketing companies) and users for the total production and resulting sales by each end use. Please download the 2018 Membership Survey from www.adaa.asn.au and email your completed spreadsheet to info@adaa.asn.au.
WRITE FOR COAL ASH MATTERS SUBSCRIBE TO
Coal Ash Matters is the ADAA’s main educational publication that is produced twice a year for the benefit of ADAA members and readers. Before each publication is drafted, an email is sent out to all members, urging them to contribute stories that they think are of interest. The types of content we are looking for include: • New Developments • Technological Innovations • New Projects • New Employees • Industry Research If you have an idea or some content that you think should be shared with the CCP community, get in contact with the Editor, Aiden Chilcott at 02 4228 1389 or email: publications@adaa.asn.au
COAL ASH matters www.adaa.asn.au