This project aims to examine the use of low carbon construction materials in detail both at feasibility and trial stage for the reduction in carbon emissions associated with construction activities. This will include research for alternative materials like polymer structure, bubble slab foundations, waffle slabs, and others. The project will be split between structures and civil elements, with 3 topics for structures and 4 topics for civils being explored. It is proposed to first have a feasibility study and proof of concept stage, then an implementation stage for the civil elements, mainly foundations and bunds, and then an implementation stage for structures, where these could be mounted on the foundations from the previous stage. Further, this project looks to leverage the latest advances in structures and civil elements technology to ensure that the right asset investment decisions are made for future generations. 

Benefits

The benefit of this project assumes that NGET will achieve low emission material performance. New materials like polymer and 3D printed ones will reduce the capital investment and replacement of steel, while polymer will reduce the OPEX cost involved for mitigating corrosion and cracking. If this project is successful, over a 10-year period, £1.5M of societal value will be created by saving 705 tons of concrete, 323 tons of CO2 and 62 tons of metals. The overall financial benefit is £2.7M including a saving of £1.5M on capital costs.