BAM Nuttall has trialled 3D-printed concrete as an alternative for the construction of ditch headwalls.
The innovation replaces the usual method of filling hessian sandbags with concrete and placing them by hand.
BAM Nuttall said it wanted to eliminate the manual handling and work on slippery slopes involved in carrying and filling the bags.
It teamed up with 3D printing firm Weber to produce the 3D printed walls that are lifted into position in each ditch at the outfall.
After the trial, BAM Nuttall said it expected it to “transform” this aspect of construction, with benefits including not just the avoidance of manual handling, but also the reduction of risk from skin cement burns.
It added that it also expected the technology to help overcome social distancing challenges.
