Circular Economy-Oriented Analysis and Design for Energy-Saving Materials and Structures

OBJECTIVES

Develop an advanced framework to assess safety and design sustainable, energy-saving materials and structures for a circular economy

Create practical tools that help engineers analyse the performance and safety of structures made from advanced and recycled materials

Support the design of strong, reliable structures using waste materials, functional porous materials, and cement-based composites

Team

Wei Gao

Lead Researcher

Yuan Feng

Research Fellow

Yisu Chen, Luo Bo, Qingya Li, Yuhang Tian, Bin Dong, Qihan Wang

PhD

Partners

University of New South Wales

Future Innovative Technology Pty Ltd

Progress

SUMMARY

This project, led by UNSW in partnership with RMIT and Future Innovative Technologies, developed a cutting-edge design and safety assessment framework for sustainable engineering materials. It focused on advanced composites, porous materials, and waste-based products to support circular economy goals. The project successfully created a virtual reality–based, data-driven modelling tool to analyse structural behaviour, assess safety, and optimise design for long-lasting and energy-efficient structures.

OPPORTUNITIES

Further research funding to expand virtual modelling for sustainable construction

Collaborate with government and industry to introduce new safety and design standards for recycled materials

Lead real-world change in engineering practices by using this framework to design greener buildings and infrastructure