The Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), an entity under the Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia (CIDB), has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with fly ash supplier ACE Greencemt to collaborate on a study focused on fly ash.
This initiative aims to advance the use of green concrete for a more sustainable construction industry.
The MOA signing took place at The MET Corporate Towers in Kuala Lumpur earlier this month.
During the MOA signing, CIDB Chief Executive Officer Datuk Mohd Zaid Zakaria said, “This agreement between CREAM and ACE Greencemt will foster knowledge transfer from research institutions to increase the adoption of fly ash, facilitating the construction industry towards greener and more environmentally friendly solutions.”
ACE Greencemt group CEO Dr Arian Haddadian added, “I believe this MOA with CREAM is not just a partnership, but a synergy towards moving for a better construction industry towards achieving sustainability.”
The research will concentrate on four main objectives: evaluating the physical and chemical properties of fly ash in Malaysia, assessing the fresh and hardened properties of fly ash concrete, conducting an in-depth study on the long-term durability and microstructural characteristics of fly ash concrete, and examining the environmental, sustainability, and social impacts of fly ash concrete.
“The outcome of this research between CREAM and ACE Greencemt could provide Malaysia's concrete industry with some detailed facts and results of how direct usage of fly ash can help to produce better concrete,” said Zaid, adding that it helps to facilitate the reduction of carbon emissions and dependency of cement production.
Fly ash is a by-product mainly generated by coal-fired power plants. According to data from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia produces between 1.5 million and 2 million tonnes of fly ash each year.
Arian noted that, despite extensive research and application in various projects within Malaysia, there remains a significant lack of awareness regarding the use of fly ash.
“We have utilised fly ash in various construction projects, such as the Merdeka 118, The Exchange 106, the Mass Rapid Transit projects, as well as the East Coast Rail Link. Yet, many professionals in Malaysia are still unaware of the benefits that fly ash can provide.”