Recreating blue biodiversity in Danish Harbours with 3D printed concrete

Marine infrastructure (MI) is typically constructed with a functional and economical purpose. Ecological considerations are generally considered as restoration initiatives after construction. MI has the potential to provide space as a hard substrate marine habitat, which can benefit marine abundance through colonisation of the structures. However, the homogeneity of MI, such as port seawalls, bridge foundations and coastal defences, can create preferable environments for opportunistic and invasive marine species which can be detrimental for native marine biodiversity.

By eco-engineering construction materials, particularly concrete due to its extensive use, durability and adaptability in marine environments, habitat heterogenity of MI can be achieved. The utlisiation of casting practices and 3D printing of concrete can integrate habitat complexity into MI, such as sheetpiling, which would otherwise support little biodiversity.