Cambridge researchers 3D print smart concrete headwall Construction 3D Printing
Infrastructure is emerging as a key area of development for concrete 3D printing. Cambridge researchers, working in partnership with industry and specialist companies like Versarien, have helped develop the first 3D printed piece of concrete infrastructure to be used on a National Highways project. The 3D printed structure – a type of retaining wall known as a headwall – has been installed on the A30 in Cornwall, where it is providing real-time information thanks to Cambridge-designed sensors embedded in its structure. The sensors provide up-to-date measurements including temperature, strain and pressure. This digital twin of the wall could help spot and correct faults before they occur.