Northumbria University will use Lutyen’s 3D concrete printer Platypus as part of sustainable concrete element testing
Northumbria University will partner with international 3D construction printer manufacturer Luyten 3D and UK-based sustainable technology company Changemaker3D on the sustainable concrete study.
Working within the Mechanical and Construction Engineering department in Northumbria’s Structures Laboratory and funded by a Royal Society Research grant, the research will enable the University to collaborate with companies seeking to explore sustainable concrete innovation and 3D printing.
The construction industry is a significant contributor of greenhouse gas emissions
According to a 2024 UN Environment Programme report, the buildings and construction sector contributes significantly to global climate change, accounting for around 21% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
With widespread use across the construction industry, concrete is a major source of carbon dioxide, generating around 8% of all emissions globally.
Reducing these emissions is key to meeting both national and global net zero commitments to avoid further harmful climate change.
3D concrete printing reduces costs, production time and waste
Allowing for concrete structures to be produced offsite, often using recycled materials, means that as a modern method of construction, 3D printing can have a hugely positive impact on the construction industry’s sustainability efforts.
Previous projects led by Lutyen 3D’s in Australia reported up to a 60% reduction of construction waste, a 70% reduction of production time, and a 80% reduction of labour costs when compared to hands-on construction projects.
Many construction companies are interested in utilising 3D printing methods but are unsure how to best implement such a new technology. The team behind the scheme at Northumbria University hope to change this.
Northumbria’s assistant professor of structural engineering, Dr Mohammadali Rezazadeh, who is the principal investigator of this Royal Society Research grant, said: “At Northumbria University, our team is leading research in 3D concrete printing technology to develop sustainable infrastructure. We are developing eco-friendly concrete mixes, reinforcing them with corrosion-resistant composite materials, and optimising their designs to reduce material usage, shaping a more sustainable future in construction.”
University scientists will explore the technology’s application in civil infrastructure projects
Luyten 3D’s Platypus concrete printer can produce complex geometrical structures in a short amount of time, using biomimicry to create better weight-to-strength ratios with less concrete.
The technology will allow companies to work with Northumbria to innovate more quickly and at a cheaper cost by pilot-testing smaller-scale versions of build elements for long-term performance and durability before investing in full-scale projects.
Scientists at the University are already exploring partnerships with leading health, water and civil engineering organisations to support the development of sustainable hospital buildings, water tanks and green infrastructure.
In addition to infrastructure applications, the printer’s ability to print complex structures can also explore how fluid and organic structures in housing have a significantly higher energy efficiency.
Luyten 3D’s president and CEO Ahmed Mahil said, “this is among the first Luyten 3D construction 3D printers to arrive in the United Kingdom. “Our printers are amongst the fastest selling construction robots worldwide and we look forward to seeing how they can address the challenges in the UK, especially in the housing industry,” Mahil said.
3D concrete printing could also answer the North East’s housing needs
3D printing technology could also help address the low supply of housing in the market and in social housing, with the company affirming its printers can construct the majority of a three-bedroom house structure in matter of weeks rather than months.
Such solutions are welcome to the housing crisis debate, especially in North East England where social housing waitlists are at their highest level since 2012, according to charity Shelter. The waitlist in the region hit 75,985 in 2023, which is a 51% increase from the year prior.
Non-social housing shortages are also putting pressure on rents and housing prices. In 2022, 82% of the region’s landlords reported a rise in demand for rented housing, with only 5 per cent planning to increase the number of rented properties in the following year.
“Luyten3D is ready to contribute to increasing housing supply in the United Kingdom through their technology and are open to any discussions with those in the industry to help tackle the crisis at hand,” Mahil said.
ChangeMaker 3D will support the University on civil infrastructure projects
ChangeMaker 3D facilitated the selection and installation of the Luyten 3D Platypus at Northumbria University.
ChangeMaker3D’s cofounder and CEO, Natalie Wadley, will be supporting the University on the execution of civil infrastructure projects. She said: “In addition to the R&D opportunities that access to 3D concrete printing technology will provide, it will also offer students the opportunity to expand their skills and increase diversity in the construction industry.
“Working together with Northumbria University and Luyten 3D we’re supporting our mission to deliver social value through skill development and preparing our future designers and engineers to integrate 3D concrete printing into all aspects of our UK construction sector.”
