The Ovingham Grade Separation Project in Adelaide was the first Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) project to use recycled plastic atoms to replace virgin aggregate in concrete. The alliance team (which includes McConnell Dowell, DIT, Arup and Mott Macdonald) worked with Seels Technology and other stakeholders to successfully implement the TOBERITE® product.
TOBERITE® is an aggregate replacement product that uses engineered polypropylene atoms instead of stone (typically a virgin material) aggregates. The atoms are made from 100% recycled polypropylene and are easily recycled. Waste plastics are also able to be used in the injection moulding process. The TOBERITE® mix has been designed to achieve maximum performance and structural integrity.
In total, 110 m3 of concrete was used to construct the center median in Torrens Road. This initiative diverted 2.5 tonnes of plastic from landfill and presents a significant circular economy benefit. Along with no workability issues, the atoms can once again be recycled at the end of the median’s lifecycle.
