As sustainability becomes a top priority, the construction industry is making great efforts to find innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact.
One of these initiatives is the CoRePET project, which uses large-scale 3D printing technology to integrate recycled PET plastic as a reinforcing material into concrete structures.
The project is a collaboration between Laser Engineering and Development Ltd and the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Malta and is funded by the Technology Extension Support Program 2023 Science. It offers a promising alternative to traditional steel reinforcement.
Recycled PET offers several key advantages over traditional steel. By incorporating it into concrete structures, the CoRePET project reduces plastic waste, reduces environmental impact and increases resource efficiency. The light weight of these 3D printed structures makes them easier to transport, more cost-effective and offers greater design flexibility. Additionally, PET's mechanical properties, including its tensile strength and durability, help create resilient structures that meet the long-term goals of the construction industry.
PET's mechanical properties, including its tensile strength and durability, help create resilient structures that meet the long-term goals of the construction industry
CoRePET focuses on prototyping and testing 3D printed PET reinforced concrete panels, evaluating their structural integrity, durability and overall performance. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of recycled PET as a compelling, sustainable alternative to traditional steel reinforcement, thereby meeting the industry's need for cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials.
In addition to demonstrating technical feasibility, CoRePET aims to contribute to the development of industry standards and codes for the use of recycled PET in reinforced concrete. By demonstrating the effectiveness of the material in practical applications, CoRePET paves the way for wider adoption and encourages further research into sustainable building practices. This project represents a significant step forward in reducing the construction industry's reliance on steel and driving environmentally friendly innovation.
Ruth Psaila Brancaleone and Arif Rochman are members of the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Malta. Szabolcs Kiss is a physicist at Laser Engineering and Development Ltd.
Soundbites
• Plants began transitioning from water to dry land over 450 million years ago. Hornwort was among the first pioneers to make this transition. New insights into the hornwort's genetic blueprint show that its chromosome remained remarkably stable despite its long evolutionary history. The researchers also discovered new information about genes involved in flavonoid production and hormone signaling, contributing to our understanding of how early land plants adapted to their new, challenging environments.
• Lead pollution likely caused widespread IQ declines in ancient Rome. Ancient lead pollution was largely due to silver mining, which involved melting down lead-containing galena to extract silver. For every gram of silver extracted, thousands of grams of lead were released into the atmosphere. The study suggests that the higher concentrations of lead in the air during this period led to widespread declines in cognitive abilities, including a 2.5 to 3 point reduction in intelligence quotient across the Roman Empire.
For more soundbites visit Radio Mocha www.fb.com/RadioMochaMalta/.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Concrete is incredibly strong, with a compressive strength between 3,000 and 7,000 psi.
• It is resistant to erosion, fire, rot, rust and weathering and requires minimal maintenance and repair.
• The Romans are said to have been the first to use concrete by combining lime, water and volcanic ash.
• After about four weeks of curing, it reaches 90% of its full strength and then hardens further over time through chemical reactions such as absorption of CO2.
Further information can be found at: www.um.edu.mt/think.