Printfrastructure 2.0: Large Asset 3D Concrete Printing
How might we build on earlier trials of 3D concrete printing by scaling to larger, onsite-printed tanks and structures to enable faster, cheaper and greener delivery?
AMP8 represents a step change in the scale and pace of delivery across the water sector, with a major increase in the number and size of storage assets needed for storm and process flows. This creates significant pressure on civil engineering capacity and concrete supply chains with risks of delay, rising costs, and missed environmental outcomes. Printfrastructure 2.0 builds on earlier trials of 3D concrete printing by scaling to larger, onsite-printed tanks and structures to enable faster, cheaper and greener delivery that moves beyond wastewater and seeks to develop an approved clean water solution.
Kick-start Printfrastructure 2.0 by aligning partners on the scope, proof-of-concept asset(s), and consolidating the design and build approach (sites, designs, materials/assurance, dissemination, independent evaluation, and social value) with clear owners and milestones.
Definition of done (for the sprint):
- Refined Printfrastructure 2.0 scope and success measures (time, cost, carbon, quality, disruption, and learning/dissemination).
- Agreed proof of concept asset(s) and site(s) (e.g., storm/process storage tank) and a clear delivery pathway to on-site large-format gantry printing.
- Defined sector-wide scale up plan of large 3D concrete printed wastewater and clean water assets.
- A defined assurance and evidence plan with a view to grow into the clean water sector (incl. materials testing, Regulation 31 pathway where relevant, quality requirements, and independent cost/carbon evaluation).
Firstly, we will ensure a shared understanding of the problem (AMP8 capacity and carbon constraints) and the end-to-end Printfrastructure approach.
We will then translate the bids five workstreams into a practical plan for mobilisation, delivery and dissemination.
- Confirm the proof-of-concept asset(s) and site(s) and the delivery pathway (design, permissions, groundworks, logistics).
- Plan the large-format gantry printing demonstration (asset design approach, onsite set-up, QA/QC, logistics, and safety).
- Confirm the materials and assurance pathway (incl. low-carbon mixes, quality requirements, and Regulation 31 route for clean-water applications).
- Agree the dissemination and skills approach (site visits, live streaming/webinars, skills module updates, and how learning will be packaged for the wider sector).
- Agree the independent evaluation approach (costbenefit and lifecycle carbon assessment, baselines, and how results will be shared credibly with the sector).
- Confirm the social value plan (local supply chain, apprentices/undergraduates, and community engagement) and how it will be measured and reported.
- Proof-of-concept scope pack: shortlisted asset types and selected pilot asset(s)/site(s), with success measures (time/cost/carbon/quality/disruption) and an outline delivery pathway.
- Workstream deliverables pack: gantry-printing demo plan (method, QA/QC, safety), materials & Regulation 31 pathway (where relevant), and a dissemination & skills plan (site visits, webinars, skills module updates).
- Independent impact pack: cost benefit and lifecycle carbon assessment approach (baselines, measures, reporting) plus a social value plan (local supply chain, apprentices/undergraduates, community engagement) with agreed reporting.
This sprint needs capital delivery / AMP8 programme leads, engineering design (civils/structures) and Principal Designer/CDM input, construction partners.
We also need materials and assurance specialists (including Regulation 31 input where potable applications are in scope), an independent evaluator for cost benefit and lifecycle carbon/LCA, and comms/engagement support for dissemination, alongside procurement/commercial and social value/community engagement leads.
Before the sprint, please share a shortlist of target asset types and candidate sites (storm/process storage, biogas, and any clean-water applications in scope), plus the known site constraints and delivery assumptions (access, footprint for gantry/equipment, temporary works, utilities, and weather/seasonality).
We also need any relevant design standards/specifications and quality requirements (durability, watertightness, access/maintenance, interfaces), together with the materials testing plan and key contacts (including Regulation 31 stakeholders where relevant) and an agreed baseline approach for independent cost benefit and lifecycle carbon/LCA.
Sprint coordination: Sam McCluskey - sam.mccluskey2@nwl.co.uk