Qatar to research recycled & secondary aggregates

The government of Qatar has awarded a project to the UK's Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) to research the use of recycled and secondary aggregates instead of virgin materials, particularly in high-value applications. The project is project is part of the country's National Priority Research Programme and will be funded by the Qatar National Research Fund.

According to TRL, the rapid growth in infrastructure construction in Qatar has led to a shortage of raw materials, making the construction industry dependent on imported aggregates, where it has less control over quality and price.

TRL will work with Qatar Standards, part of the Ministry of Environment, Qatar University and aggregates supplier Qatar Construction & Development Company to research the use of recycled and secondary aggregates and identify reliable supply chains for such materials. The research will include lab tests and full -scale trials of materials, and will lead to the production of standards, guidelines and product development guides.

As well a s contributing to sustainable development, TRL says the three-year project will make wider contributions to sustainable development. These include, the development of new construction products from waste, reduction of reliance on imported raw materials, cost savings, environmental benefits such as reduced transportation and disposal costs, reduced project delays due to materials shortages and the development of new business opportunities in the production and marketing of recycled and secondary aggregates.