3D printed biomimetric concrete structures for coastal naval assets

KindDesigns™ has developed the first patent-pending technology for additive manufacturing of concrete structures, such as seawalls, with specialized non-toxic cement. The fastest existing concrete 3D printer extrudes seawalls with a biomimetic fine structure that provides a habitat analogous to local biome, which provide proven resilience to coastal erosion and storm surges. Certain organisms settling on the seawalls result in wave attenuations properties far superior compared to traditional flat-panel seawalls, and in longer service life due to self-healing properties introduced by the seawalls’ biomimicry.While KindDesigns’ seawalls meet the needs of a growing commercial customer base, different Navy commands have been identified as potential beneficiaries of the same technology. In order to meet the Navy’s needs, KindDesign proposes a set of modifications: (1) Adopt a modular design with interlocking seawall elements to allow for vertical scalability, and also retrofit capabilities, (2) Implement a construction methodology free of rebar, seawalls’ weakest link in corrosion resistance, (3) Prove that wave energy attenuations of 70% are achieved, with a goal of 86% , and (4) Ensure that the artificial reef properties at the root of the seawalls’ wave-attenuating properties are maintained.