DB Group (Holdings) alongside other project partners proudly hosted a DULCET (Durable Low-Carbon Reinforced Concrete for Challenging Environments) workshop at its headquarters. The event, which took place on the 17th July, centred around the revolutionary Cemfree product and a basalt fibre composite reinforcement, brought together key stakeholders, researchers, and industry experts to present the results of its research and foster confidence in the ground-breaking solutions DB Group and partners are providing the industry.
Funded by Innovate UK, the DULCET project represents a significant stride towards developing pioneering, sustainable products designed specifically for use in aggressive environments such as waterways and highways. With environmental sustainability at the core of its mission, DB Group continues to pioneer innovative solutions that reduce carbon emissions while maintaining high standards of quality and performance.
The DULCET workshop featured a series of informative presentations from leading figures in the field. Marta Diez-Garcia, Concrete Technologist and Tony Sheridan, Commercial Director from DB Group and Cemfree took the stage to highlight the company’s dedication to sustainable concrete solutions and its role in the DULCET project. Malcolm Newton from Bastech, along with Christopher Yapp, Rafik Taleb, and Andrew Dunster from BRE, provided valuable insights into the research and development of the technology. Furthermore, Andy Lusher from Jackson Civil Engineering shared practical applications and success stories of Cemfree in real-world challenging environments.
The event included the participation of valued organisations and partners, including Poundfield, Environment Agency, Skanska, Costain, Volker Fitzpatrick, Laing O’Rourke, National Composites Centre, MorrisRoe and Ferrovial Construction. The collective expertise and commitment of the stakeholders are evidence of the importance of collaborative efforts in driving advancements within the construction industry.
Marta Diez-Garcia at DB Group said: “DB Group is honoured to have hosted the DULCET workshop, a platform that allows us to share the remarkable progress made in the field of durable low-carbon reinforced concrete. Through the support of Innovate UK and the dedication of our partners, we are confident that the innovative DULCET project will drive positive change in the construction industry, addressing the growing need for eco-friendly, long-lasting materials”.
Andrew Dunster, Principal Consultant at BRE, said: “BRE is pleased to have been working in the DULCET partnership. The project represents a tangible step along the road to get low-carbon cements adopted into reinforced concretes without the need to be concerned about whether there is a risk of reinforcement corrosion. We have also continued to gain further confidence in use of these materials in challenging environments“.
