Projects
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6/13/2025
Sustainable and highly resistant concrete: Mapei’s admixture technology at the Port of Brisbane
Mapecube 60W admixture was used to enhance durability and reduce carbon emissions in the construction of a new concrete slab
The Port of Brisbane Wharf 5 reconstruction showcases Mapecube 60W admixture, which was used in the concrete mix for the new concrete slab replacing the existing suspended slab affected by chloride-induced corrosion. By optimizing hydration and mix design, the admixture improved durability, workability, and environmental impact, enabling a long-lasting and sustainable solution in the harsh marine environment. Despite logistical challenges, the project ensured smooth placement and structural resilience, demonstrating the effectiveness of advanced admixture technology in marine construction.
The Port of Brisbane is a cornerstone of the Queensland economy. It is one of Australia’s fastest-growing container ports and the state’s largest multi-cargo port.
The project involved replacing the existing suspended slab at Wharf 5, which has experienced accelerated deterioration due to chloride-induced corrosion. Despite being less than 40 years old and constructed with a high General Purpose (GP) cement content, the slab has not withstood the aggressive marine environment as expected.
The Port of Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing container ports and the state’s largest multi-cargo port.
Project requirement
The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of strength-enhancing admixtures in concrete with low carbon emissions in a marine environment. The focus was on improving the durability and workability of concrete while offering a sustainable alternative for structures exposed to aggressive coastal conditions. Through this evaluation, the project was able to identify innovative solutions that enhance the longevity and performance of concrete infrastructure in marine settings.
Mapei solution
Mapei was engaged by Hy-Tec Concrete (an ADBRI Company) to supply Mapecube 60W, a high-performance strength-enhancing admixture designed for low-carbon concrete solutions. The project aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of these admixtures in concrete subject to marine environments, ensuring a more durable and sustainable outcome.
The concrete used for a new slab at the Port of Brisbane made use of Mapecube 60W, a high-performance strength-enhancing admixture designed for low-carbon concrete solutions.
The project faced several challenges, including adverse environmental conditions and logistical constraints. The harsh, humid, and windy weather during concrete placement would otherwise affect workability, setting time, and overall quality.
Additionally, the high-security nature of the project site risked extended waiting times between concrete truck deliveries impacting the construction schedule. These factors required meticulous planning and adaptive strategies to ensure the successful execution of the project while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
Mapecube 60W was instrumental in achieving the project's objective in terms of workability for smooth placement and finishing, increasing strength to ensure long-term structural integrity and improving durability.
Mapecube line of admixtures is specifically engineered to address the urgent need to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by optimising material efficiency and sustainability. It achieves this by lowering the clinker-to-cement ratio by incorporating Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), significantly reducing carbon emissions.
As an advanced hydration promoter, Mapecube 60W enhances the performance of SCMs beyond conventional limits, outperforming traditional admixture technologies. Additionally, it boosts concrete strength and durability by optimising hydration and material utilisation.
By enabling a reduction in cement dosage while maintaining or improving performance, the Mapecube admixtures deliver both cost and environmental benefits. Furthermore, they facilitate the increased use of recycled aggregates without compromising quality, reinforcing their role role as a key solution for sustainable construction.
By enabling a reduction in cement dosage while maintaining or improving performance, the Mapecube admixtures deliver both cost and environmental benefits. Furthermore, they facilitate the increased use of recycled aggregates without compromising quality, reinforcing their role role as a key solution for sustainable construction.
Mapecube 60W allows the use of Supplementary Cementitious Materials in concrete mixes, enabling a reduction in cement dosage while maintaining or improving performance.
Additionally, Mapecube 60W provided exceptional durability, making it particularly well-suited for marine exposure. This ultimately contributed to the project's overall success and longevity.
The use of Mapecube 60W ultimately enabled optimal concrete mix design in terms of workability and durability, allowing for easier concrete placement even in adverse weather conditions and extended wait times between truck deliveries.
Success factors
Mapei’s Mapecube admixtures have been instrumental in achieving the project's objective in terms of workability for smooth placement and finishing, increasing strength to ensure long-term structural integrity, and improving durability to provide superior resistance to chloride attack in the harsh marine environment.
The successful project outcome was a collaborative approach with all stakeholders and PENSAR Infrastructure, who implemented the performance-based specifications on-site using efficient construction practices, ensuring correct handling and placement of the sustainable concrete.
“At Hy-Tec, we’re proud to support the Port of Brisbane project with a concrete solution that meets the complex demands of a marine environment while lowering embodied carbon. Partnering with Mapei to incorporate advanced admixtures like Mapecube 60W reflects our commitment to durability, sustainability, and innovation in infrastructure delivery.” so claimed Hy-Tec Concrete’s representatives.
The mix design by Hy-Tec Concrete and Mapei’s solution supported a more sustainable construction by leveraging advanced low-carbon admixture technology. It substantially reduced the project’s carbon footprint while delivering outstanding concrete performance and durability.
Project information
Client: Port of BrisbanePty Ltd
Project Engineer: GHD
Project Engineer (Concrete Mix Design): Optimised Materials Pty Ltd
Project Contractor: PENSAR Structures Pty Ltd
Concrete Supplier: Hy-Tec Concrete (ADBRI)
To be Completed: 2025
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