Our research

Innovation is a never ending-process. In the world of construction, BESIX 3D is constantly improving its engineering and processes to push the boundaries of 3D concrete printing. Joining forces with other pioneers and experts in the field and beyond, is crucial to us to stay on top of the latest developments.

Breakwater units

In a new research project, BESIX 3D joins forces with Ghent University, start-up ResourceFull and engineering company Witteveen+Bos to focus on developing sustainable concrete mixtures suitable for the printing of breakwater units. The combined expertise of the project partners will result in new, innovative and more sustainable solutions in hydraulic engineering.

As the major construction cost of a breakwater unit is related to the logistic resources needed to move the breakwater units from the yard to the construction site, the possibility to print it in situ, possibly even below the water level, would be very advantageous. Moreover, 3D printing would allow to define a tailor-made model breakwater unit, with more complex and optimized shapes in line with local wave patterns and sea currents. In addition, the layered surface, own to the 3D print technique, would allow for additional energy dissipation.

The environmental impact of the mixture will also be taken into account. In case only the contour is printed, a sustainable filling material will be developed. Its sustainability in the marine environment will be further increased through improvement of the interlayer. Once these challenges are tackled, scale model breakwater units will be printed to investigate their durability and mechanical and hydraulic performance.