The new development addresses issues through 'smart' materials science.
To implement the project, researchers from the University of Wollongong (Australia) joined forces with the Melbourne construction technology company LUYTEN 3D. The team created a single-component concrete mix that hardens underwater solely due to the special composition of the material.
Traditional underwater concrete work usually requires multi-stage mixing or the use of fast-setting chemical additives to prevent fresh concrete from being washed away in moving water. However, such additives complicate the process, increase costs, and may pose environmental risks.
The new development addresses this issue through 'smart' materials science. The homogeneous mix is designed to resist washout and maintain structural integrity during printing. Tests have shown that the material performs reliably without any accelerators.
The project leader, construction engineering researcher Dr. Aziz Ahmed, noted that the tests confirmed the practical viability of the technology: the system provides the necessary strength for real-world applications while simplifying the logistics of underwater construction.
The President and CEO of LUYTEN 3D, Ahmed Mahil, called the technology the beginning of a new chapter in construction and manufacturing. According to him, underwater printing fundamentally changes the approach to building, repairing, and strengthening critical infrastructure in the marine environment.
The system is already being considered for applications in the defense sector, port construction, and the development of coastal infrastructure. Among the promising directions are participation in the AUKUS submarine program and the creation of sustainable foundations for floating wind power plants.
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