On-site 3D reinforced concrete printing is set to deliver environmental, cost and community benefits for Britain’s new high speed rail network.

The technology, Printfrastructure, will be deployed by HS2’s London tunnels contractor SCS JV.

Printing concrete with computer operated robots will enable SCS JV to make structures on site, instead of transporting them as pre-cast slabs by road before being assembled and lowered into place by large cranes.

SCS JV estimates that the process, which it is developing with Worcestershire-based partner ChangeMaker 3D, could reduce the concrete used and contribute toward reducing carbon by up to 50 per cent. 

SCS JV Temporary Works Manager, Andrew Duck, said: ”Automation enabled by Printfrastructure’s 3D reinforced concrete printing creates a factory-like environmental that delivers a high-quality product that both increases efficient use of materials, and reduces our carbon footprint.

“It is important that we give technologies such as Printfrastructure the opportunity to flourish because of the possibilities it offers the industry to make a step change in how projects are delivered.”  

Proof of concept trials are due to begin in Spring 2022.