HS2’s London tunnels contractor Skanska Costain Strabag joint venture (SCS JV) is set to deploy on-site 3D reinforced concrete printing technology, Printfrastructure, for Britain’s new high-speed rail network.

This initiative is said to be the first such development where 3D concrete printing will be deployed.

SCS JV will build structures on-site by printing concrete with computer-operated robots.

This will replace the activity of carrying the structures as pre-cast slabs by road before assembling and lowering them into place by large cranes.

The 3D concrete printing eliminates the need to develop costly logistical plans.

Claimed to be a flexible mobile technology, it can be used in physically restricted areas.

The technology helps in the execution of the works without disrupting the travelling public.

HS2 said in a statement: “This is because a robot will print the reinforced concrete, enabling construction to continue and trains to run at the same time.