A focus on development
3D PRINTING AND LABORATORY TESTING
The optimal use of concrete without waste is one of the driving forces behind the project n3xtcon.dk, in which CRH Concrete is part of the consortium. With support from the Innovation Fund, we are working to develop 3D concrete for smaller and more specialised applications.
Although the technology is still relatively new, the outlook is very interesting and promising. 3D printing can be tailored to suit specific tasks and the individual needs of each customer. At the same time, it is a process that generates virtually no waste.
Reducing reinforcement in concrete elements
There is a great deal of activity in our own laboratory. Not only when it comes to concrete, but also the reinforcement required in construction projects. Reinforcement cannot be dispensed with, but it should not be larger or heavier than necessary.
We continuously work to improve the efficiency of material use in production, without compromising on safety. For example, we are investigating whether a wall element of 200 mm needs to have the same thickness throughout. A varied thickness can be a perfectly viable solution in some cases, without any loss of stability or safety.
A current project is a collaboration with Optum, the Danish Concrete Element Association, DTU and NIRAS on a new digital tool that can calculate the load-bearing capacity of concrete elements and thereby reduce reinforcement to a minimum. This shear wall calculation programme has already been used to dimension and optimise complex wall elements in a new multi-purpose building in Ørestad Nord.