An innovative technology called Robovoid is leading the way in sustainable practices on the M80 Ring Road Completion, as part of North East Link.
Robovoid is an Australian-first application of the technology in retaining walls and works by placing 3D geometric shapes inside concrete structures to reduce the amount of concrete required to fill and support the piece. They can then be removed at end of life and recycled again.
With efficiency gains including 29 per cent less concrete in panels, 10 per cent less steel reinforcement required and a 15 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, the void formers, made of 100 per cent recycled plastic, are making a big difference.
On a project like the M80 Ring Road Completion, where crews are building a new interchange linking to the North East Link tunnels, there’s a lot of heavy support required to establish the elevated structures.
By adopting Robovoid for retaining walls, the M80 Ring Road Completion continues to lead industry innovation, reduce carbon emissions linked to major infrastructure delivery, and help address the challenge of recycling plastic waste.
The construction sector is one of the largest global carbon emitters, with traditional concrete responsible for between 8 and 10 per cent of worldwide emissions. Australia also faces a plastic waste challenge, with only about 13 per cent of plastic waste recycled.
This initiative is part of why the M80 Ring Road Completion was recently recognised with an ISC sustainability award nomination, as well as receiving a platinum design rating of 88.7.
It’s all part of building Melbourne’s missing freeway link by connecting the M80 Ring Road with the Eastern Freeway, reducing travel times and providing a direct route for trucks off local roads.