Flinders University researchers are pioneering a sustainable revolution in construction by transforming mining waste into superior building materials.
Dr Aliakbar Gholampour, a Senior Lecturer in Civil and Structural Engineering at Flinders’ College of Science and Engineering, has identified valuable applications for a rare earth mining by-product called Delithiated β-spodumene (DβS) to enhance concrete production.
The research reveals that DβS, a by-product from lithium refining, possesses pozzolanic properties—meaning it reacts chemically with cement components to improve concrete’s strength and durability.
Dr Gholampour’s studies demonstrate that incorporating DβS into geopolymer binders significantly boosts the mechanical performance and long-term resilience of the concrete.
Geopolymers are an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional concrete, relying on industrial by-products with reduced carbon footprint and resource consumption.
This approach could also replace coal combustion by-products like fly ash in construction materials, addressing growing environmental concerns by diverting waste from landfills and preventing potential soil and groundwater contamination.
Annual global concrete production consumes around 25 billion tonnes and accounts for about 8 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions.
Conventional concrete manufacturing also uses approximately 30 per cent of non-renewable natural resources and contributes up to 50 per cent of landfill waste.
By using DβS in concrete, the research aims to reduce these environmental impacts while maintaining or enhancing the material’s performance characteristics, supporting both sustainability and circular economy principles.
The studies include detailed characterisation of DβS-based geopolymers, investigating the optimal alkaline activator ratios for best results.
This research offers vital insights for industries seeking greener, sustainable construction solutions without losing strength or durability.
Dr Gholampour highlights how the availability of increased volumes of DβS from lithium refining can create an industrial symbiosis between mining waste management and sustainable building material development.
This research is part of a larger suite of innovations by Dr Gholampour’s team at Flinders University, including exploring the use of natural fibres, advanced machine learning models for material strength prediction, and 3D printing concrete technologies.
These efforts collectively aim to advance knowledge and practical applications in eco-friendly construction, reducing environmental impacts and improving material predictability and adaptability in the built environment.
The findings have been published in journals such as Materials and Structures and the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, supported by grants from the Cooperative Research Centres Projects.
Backtech Pty Ltd supplied the DβS material, while Flinders University provided institutional support for the project.
