Balfour Beatty is actively pursuing the development of low-carbon construction materials through advanced 3D-printing technologies.
- An agreement with Versarien aims to revolutionise the civil construction sector with graphene-infused mortars.
- The collaboration targets sustainability and cost-effectiveness, with a focus on UK-based supply chains.
- Trials will assess performance, durability, and regulatory compliance of innovative mortars.
- Versarien’s chief executive emphasises the strengthened partnership with Balfour Beatty.
Balfour Beatty has embarked on a pioneering project to develop low-carbon, graphene-infused, 3D-printable mortars, suitable for civil construction. This strategic move involves trialling Versarien’s graphene admixture, Cementene. By collaborating with Versarien, a renowned advanced materials engineering group, the aim is to create mortars that are not only innovative but also sustainable and cost-effective, aligning with modern construction demands.
In collaboration with Versarien, Balfour Beatty plans to establish a UK-based supply chain that would support the production and demonstration of these mortars in real-world applications. Such an initiative is expected to significantly impact the construction industry by showcasing the practical uses of these groundbreaking materials on Balfour Beatty highways projects. This project will focus on evaluating the mortars’ performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional materials.
The collaboration extends beyond material development, as both parties are committed to working with regulatory bodies to propose necessary changes to design codes, ensuring the certification of their products. This step is crucial for addressing any potential regulatory challenges, thereby facilitating the adoption of new construction methodologies rooted in 3D printing technologies.
Versarien’s chief executive, Stephen Hodge, has expressed enthusiasm about deepening the relationship with Balfour Beatty. He highlighted the previous successful collaborations within the National Highways Roads Research Alliance and the Digital Roads of the Future project, which have set a robust foundation for this current endeavour.
The strategic partnership between Balfour Beatty and Versarien marks a significant step towards sustainable innovation in the construction industry.
