The growing use of 3D printing for concrete structures, steel bridges and composite formwork by the construction industry is discussed in this episode, sponsored by Farnell Electronics.

NCE Editor-in-Chief Claire Smith and Senior Reporter Catherine Kennedy are joined by Innovation Manager Bam Nuttall, Colin Evison, to explain how 3D printing began to influence the civil engineering industry, where in is the industry and what are the upcoming opportunities.

Colin shares his experience working with 3D printed concrete structures on projects with clients like the Environment Agency and talks about the opportunity it provides engineers to tap into their creative side as they work outside of existing design codes.

Claire and Catherine discuss the construction risks of using innovative technology with Colin, as well as potential 3D printing deals to achieve zero carbon footprint. Colin also shares some lessons learned about where 3D printing techniques work best and some considerations when planning to use these methods.

Although Colin doesn’t think 3D printing will solve all construction problems, he expects its use to grow over the next decade.

To listen to the podcast, click here.

The group of engineers

The Engineers Collective has a truly global reach, with a third of listeners based outside the UK. It is also appealing to a curious and career-building audience, with 80% of listeners under 35.

Special guests in previous episodes include Crossrail chief executive Mark Wild, HS2 Ltd special adviser Andrew McNaughton and former ICE chairwoman Rachel Skinner. All are available for download and all address current and ongoing issues around skills and completing major projects.

The Engineers Collective is available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, A-cast, Stitcher, PodBean and via newcivilengineer.com/podcast.

This episode of The Engineers Collective is brought to you by Farnell Electronics.

Farnell is a global electronics and industrial solutions provider, part of the Avnet Group. We provide products, services and solutions to thousands of customers around the world who focus on electronic systems design, manufacturing, industrial environments, as well as the maintenance and repair sectors. We offer a portfolio of nearly one million products from thousands of leading supplier brands around the world. Engineers come to us at every stage of their process, because we are well equipped to offer support with the products they need as well as added value.

Farnell offers an extensive product portfolio of around 80,000 industrial products to support customers on their industrial automation journey – all available for fast delivery. We are well positioned to support several major supplier brands such as Omega, Schneider, Eaton, ABB, Omron, Siemens, Festo, Mitsubishi and Phoenix Contact. Our Industrial Automation & Control Hub provides access to a wide range of technical resources to facilitate plant design and the upgrading of existing systems.

Learn more about en.farnell.com

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