Turning Old Carpets into Concrete: A Sustainable Construction Revolution

**_Innovative Construction with Textile Waste: A Sustainable Approach_** Engineers in Australia have pioneered a groundbreaking method to fortify concrete by incorporating scrap carpet fibres. Led by Dr Chamila Gunasekara from RMIT University, the team developed a technique that not only enhances the mechanical properties of concrete but also mitigates early-age shrinkage cracking by up to 30%, significantly boosting its durability. This advancement could substantially reduce the annual multi-billion dollar costs associated with repairing cracked concrete structures in Australia and the US. **Environmental and Structural Benefits** Using carpet fibres, the researchers achieved a 40% increase in concrete's tensile strength, addressing a persistent issue in construction: early cracking in concrete slabs. This innovation not only helps maintain structural integrity but also offers an environmentally friendly solution to the textile waste problem, diverting significant amounts of carpet and other discarded textiles from landfills. The average Australian discards 23kg of textiles annually, contributing to environmental challenges when incinerated due to toxic emissions. **Collaborative Efforts and Future Trials** To further this research, RMIT is collaborating with industry players like Textile Recyclers Australia and Godfrey Hirst Australia, alongside local councils in Victoria, to conduct real-world field studies. These trials will validate the laboratory findings under practical conditions, supported by funding from TREMS and an early-career research grant. The project represents a vital step towards a circular economy in the construction industry, with the potential to transform waste textiles into valuable construction materials.