An innovative light weight composite panel system for high speed modular construction (ARC Linkage Project led by the University of Melbourne) (2015-2019)

This proposed project aims to develop an innovative composite panel system using aerated geopolymer and a thin high strength steel casing. The new panel system will have a number of significant enhancements compared to the traditional panels in terms of load resistance, much lower carbon footprint and life-cycle costs. It will offer desirable properties, such as being light-weight, easy to construct, economical, recyclable and reusable. A significant gap in knowledge exists in the material and system behaviour of the aerated geopolymer and its fire performance. A comprehensive research program will be carried out to address those challenges and to provide design guidelines to rapidly progress this technologies in Australia and overseas.