Balfour Beatty have signed an agreement with Versarien to develop 3D-printed materials for civil construction
Balfour Beatty have signed an agreement with Versarien, a materials engineering group.
The agreement will see both companies work on new 3D-printed materials.
The 3D-printed materials will be low-carbon
The 3D-printed materials will be low-carbon, being infused with graphene and produce mortars for civil construction.
The agreement will also see the establishment of a UK-based supply chain. This will allow them to demonstrate applications of their materials in the built environment through Balfour Beatty’s Highways business.
The agreement will see three mortars developed
Three different 3D-printable mortars will be developed, one based on local materials, and two using Versarien’s graphene admixture, called Cementene™.
The three materials will then be assessed in terms of performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional construction materials.
The supply chain will also be assessed, identifying local suppliers, integrating the graphene mixture, implementing quality control protocols, and creation of distribution channels and sales frameworks for domestic and international markets.
Dr Stephen Hodge, CEO of Versarien, said: “We are delighted to be working with Balfour Beatty and their Highways business on this project to further develop 3D printable construction materials enabling low-carbon, efficient construction solutions. Versarien already has experience of working with Balfour Beatty through both being members of the National Highways Roads Research Alliance and the Digital Roads of the Future project. We look forward to deepening our relationship.”
The project will utilise modern methods of construction and aim to achieve lower carbon materials for civil construction, as well as lower costs, and establish a new supply chain opening up business opportunities and increasing employment.
Collaboration with various bodies will be pursued to propose changes to design codes, ensure certification of products and address any regulatory hurdles throughout the project’s lifecycle.
