Concrete step into the future

Flight simulator technology is to be applied to the precast concrete manufacturing industry in a bid to promote resource efficiency, reduce waste and encourage recycling.

The move, led by the Centre for Construction Innovation and Research at the University of Teesside and Nottingham Centre for Infrastructure at the University of Nottingham involves partners at British Precast Federation, Tarmac, Aggregate Industries, Buckan and a host of precast companies.

The two-year project ’Enterprise Simulation for Precast Concrete Operations’ started in September 2005. It has won a £450,000 grant from the DTI through its Technology Programme: Succeeding though Innovation Initiative.

Teesside’s Professor Nashwan Dawood said: “The prestigious grant acknowledges our innovation in the use of simulation in virtual environments and the application of this technology to the precast industry.

“We will be using technology similar to that used in flight stimulators to see if we can improve the production process for pre-cast concrete. Off-site manufacture is generally recognised as being important to the long-term future of the UK construction sector and any improvements in the production of precast components will lead to economic, social and environmental benefits for the whole construction industry in this country.”