Marine Concrete Wavebreakers
Floating breakwaters are essential for protecting lakes, rivers, and near-shore marine environments from wave and wind action. Traditionally constructed using concrete shells and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) cores, these structures present challenges in terms of environmental impact and cost.
Through the EU-funded SUREWAVE project, we are pioneering more sustainable and circular alternatives. Our efforts focus on replacing conventional materials with low-carbon, high-performance alternatives while maintaining structural integrity and buoyancy:
Innovative Materials in Development
- Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (LWAC) and High-Performance Concrete (HPC) for durable and waterproof outer shells.
- Cellular Lightweight Concrete (AAC) to replace EPS in the core, reducing weight while maintaining buoyancy.
Key Benefits
- Lower Carbon Footprint: Incorporating recycled aggregates and green cements (e.g., GGBS, fly ash).
- Structural Reliability: Engineered for resilience in demanding marine environments.
- Circularity: Designed with lifecycle sustainability in mind.
These material innovations support the broader goal of the SUREWAVE project: enabling robust, offshore-capable Floating PV systems by integrating circular concrete breakwaters that mitigate wave loads and enhance energy yield.
We're excited to share our progress as we move towards a more sustainable and scalable future for offshore renewable energy.
