Versarien PLC said it has completed the construction phase of a civil engineering project alongside a subsidiary of Costain Group PLC (LSE:COST).
The AIM-quoted company has been working with Costain to develop and produce a 3D-printed concrete headwall for use in highway projects, according to a statement.
In the past, headwall structures have been made with precast concrete, the advanced materials engineering group said, which can have limitations on the structure's shape and requires steel reinforcement.
Using an alkali-activated cementitious material with 3D printing technology, Versarien and Costain have been able to create a curved headwall, which does not require steel enforcement.
“In utilising Versarien's materials engineering expertise and understanding of the latest techniques, we have highlighted how new technologies can be employed to provide a solution to improve product performance, lower cost and reduce the carbon footprint,” said Versarien chief executive Neill Ricketts.
The headwall has been created as part of the Digital Roads of the Future Partnership, a collaboration led by the University of Cambridge, Costain and National Highways, of which Versarien is a partner.
Versarien said the constructed headwall is due for delivery and installation on one of Costain’s projects for national highways “shortly”.
“We believe this represents the first use of 3D construction on a National Highways project and we look forward to the headwall being installed, demonstrating the viability and attractiveness of using this technology and Versarien's know-how on future projects,” Ricketts added.