{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260100360"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260100360","attributes":{"code":"DE260100360","administering-organisation":"RMIT University","announcement-administering-organisation":"RMIT University","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2028-12-31","grant-summary":"Low-carbon pavement stabilisation technology utilising pyrolysed food waste. This project aims to investigate a novel and environmentally friendly pavement modification technology utilising pyrolysis by-products derived from food waste. It expects to generate new knowledge of the fundamental physics and underlying mechanisms governing the use of biochars and their synergistic physio-chemo-mechanical interactions with asphalt and soils to improve the entire pavement structure. Expected project outcomes include insights into next-generation roads, new recycling technology, innovative materials, sophisticated numerical framework, and environmental impacts. This would deliver long-lasting pavements and a circular solution to food waste and provide significant environmental, economic, and social benefits.","funding-current":518763.00,"funding-at-announcement":514678,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Mohammad","familyName":"Saberian Boroujeni","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-8069-5257 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Mohammad","familyName":"Saberian Boroujeni","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-8069-5257 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"RMIT University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"RMIT University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4005","name":"Civil Engineering","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"400502","name":"Civil Geotechnical Engineering","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"401902","name":"Geomechanics and Resources Geotechnical Engineering","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"120699","name":"Environmentally Sustainable Construction Activities Not Elsewhere Classified","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"270308","name":"Road Infrastructure and Networks","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280110","name":"Expanding Knowledge In Engineering","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"Traditional road improvement relies on cement or lime, causing high carbon dioxide emissions and brittle roads prone to cracking and failure. Food waste is an underutilised resource that places significant stress on waste management systems and produces harmful greenhouse gases during landfill decomposition. The Australian Government aims to reduce landfilled food waste by 50% and achieve 80% recovery by 2030. Moreover, Australia generates substantial demolition waste, further straining our environment. This project aims to comprehensively tackle these challenges by developing an innovative, sustainable, cost-effective method to convert food waste into commercially viable materials for the entire pavement structure. This research fills a critical gap in Australia’s efforts to build a greener future by addressing the dual challenges of waste management and sustainable road construction. It will evaluate food waste decomposition at high temperatures for utilisation in next-generation pavements to deliver high-performing, long-lasting roads. The project outcomes have the potential to significantly reduce food and demolition wastes, repurposing them as valuable construction materials while providing considerable economic, social, and environmental benefits. This project aligns with global sustainability goals and positions Australia as an innovative, eco-friendly construction leader. Findings will be disseminated through journals, conferences, industry workshops, and media."}}}