A low carbon concrete trial being carried out by Skanska UK and National Highways has been extended to permanent roads.

Over the past year Skanska, alongside the National Composites Centre, Tarmac, Basalt Technologies and National Highways, have carried out a trial on a low carbon reinforced concrete solution.

The results show that the solution has led to a reduction of more than 50 per cent in carbon. It has also proven equally as resilient when compared to conventional reinforced concrete using steel. A report with findings from the trial, carried out at Skanska’s M42 junction 6 project for National Highways, has now been published.

The trial has proved such a success that Skanska is now working collaboratively with National Highways and High Speed 2 Ltd (HS2) on the next phase. The plan is to trial the low carbon combination on a permanent road and capture all the data and analysis for future publication. The ultimate aim is to roll out the low carbon solution across the UK’s strategic road network.


Skanska is also working with HS2's innovation managers to progress the learning from the trial and use the innovative combination of materials in other structural reinforced concrete elements beyond roads.

Skanska's Highways Director, Glennan Blackmore said: "The results of the trial are extremely encouraging. By working together, we have been able to speed up the process of testing and analysing a new solution for de-carbonising our road network, with the aim of getting it to market so the whole industry can benefit.

"By using a unique combination of materials, we are working to not only cut carbon, but also improve the structural performance of reinforced concrete, delivering better productivity, safety and cost outcomes. We’re delighted at the success of this trial and we’re now really looking forward to starting the next stage."

The trial also provides a better understanding of the impact of using the new materials – including the use of composites in the design of concrete structures – ahead of the proposed revision to Eurocode 2 standards.

Adam Gallis, National Highways Project Manager said: "At National Highways, we were delighted to use our Innovation and Modernisation Designated Fund Pot to help make this trial a reality. In utilising this funding, we can go above and beyond what we would typically deliver on our schemes and in this instance, working alongside the supply chain, we have made great strides in the development of a low carbon reinforced concrete alternative. We will look to do what we can to facilitate further trials in this sphere, to ultimately drive down our carbon footprint and achieve our net zero targets."