Wagners sets sights on Asia, US and Middle East

A SPECIALISED concrete that was used to build Wellcamp airport has put mining and construction company Wagners in the running for an international award.

A SPECIALISED concrete that was used to build Wellcamp airport has put mining and construction company Wagners in the running for an international award.

Wagners was nominated for its Earth Friendly Concrete innovation and the Toowoomba-based company is planning to sell the concrete across the world, backing its low-carbon reputation. 

Wagners director Joe Wagner, who heads the company's concrete division, said it was a huge coup to be in contention for an award.

"We are extremely proud of EFC, particularly in its application at the Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport project, which formed the basis of our  submission," Mr Wagner said.

The airport project was the largest application of modern geopolymer concrete in the world, which created a total carbon emission reduction across the project of 6600 tonnes compared to using conventional concrete

More than 40,000 m3 of EFC was used in the construction of the heavy duty aircraft pavements that form the taxiway, apron and turning node areas as well as other civil and building works throughout the airport precinct.

The concrete is made using recycled waste products like blast furnace slag from steel production and fly ash from coal fired power.

Mr Wagner said that resulted in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

He said the majority of its applications would likely be in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

"We are already working in countries where the regulatory authorities can see the benefits of using our product and are motivated toward ecological change," he said.

The company also has its sights set on the USA market.

"The States is the biggest user of concrete pavement in the world, especially in roads and airfields.

"EFC has high flexural and tensile strength as well as very low shrinkage making it an ideal choice for slip formed aircraft and road pavement construction.

 "We would certainly intend working with US authorities, as our product has the ideal properties for these applications," he said.

Mr Wagner said EFC was an extremely important innovation created to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry and provide the next generation with a superior structural performing concrete.  

The Concrete Institute of Australia has endorsed Wagners, which is in the running for an American Concrete Institute Award.

The winners will be announced in Philadelphia on October 24.

Originally published as Wagners sets sights on Asia, US and Middle East