Balfour Beatty Vinci adopts digital concrete testing to cut carbon on HS2

Balfour Beatty Vinci have completed a successful trial of a digital measuring system for concrete across the HS2 project. Its success has led to a roll-out of the product across multiple HS2 sites, in a bid to carbon and driving efficiencies on the construction project.

A full-scale site trial involving over 20,000m3 of concrete demonstrated accuracy and confidence in the technology (Photo: AdobeStock)

The digital measuring system, Verifi, enables real-time monitoring, measurement, and management of fresh concrete properties during transportation.

Verifi optimises planning and coordination through GPS tracking of vehicles equipped with the technology. The real-time tracking capability is said to improve the management of concrete delivery, in addition to enhancing logistical processes on-site.

Over the last two years, Balfour Beatty Vinci has worked with supply chain partners Saint Gobain Construction Chemicals who developed Verifi, and their concrete supply partners Tarmac and Aggregate Industries to test and validate the system.

The company said that the full-scale site, trial involving over 20,000m3 of concrete, demonstrated “accuracy and confidence in the technology”. HS2 Ltd has now approved the roll-out across further sites.

One of the key benefits of the system, says Balfour Beatty Vinci, is the elimination of concrete waste which would have been produced from manual sampling and testing. 

In addition, the company added that it enhances productivity and efficiency by delivering clear digital readouts, eliminating delays associated with sampling and testing processes, which allows for better scheduling and reduces potential bottlenecks in the construction timeline.

Steve Phipps, Head of Materials Engineering at Balfour Beatty Vinci said, “The initial concept of using this technology to reduce manual testing has been developed into a fully integrated digital monitoring and reporting system between producer and customer.

“It’s very rewarding to have finally implemented this digital solution after a process of trials, validation and approvals, made possible by great teamwork. Now that implementation is underway across our HS2 sites in the Midlands, we will start to see the significant benefits.”

Frederic Guimbal, EVP at Saint Gobain Construction Chemicals, added, ”We’re delighted that the adoption of VERIFI represents a significant step forward for the HS2 project, bringing tangible benefits in terms of quality control, productivity, safety, sustainability, planning, reliability, and digitisation.

“This innovative solution demonstrates the power of collaboration and paves the way for the integration of digital methods in future concrete standards across the construction industry.”