CORAL: Additive manufacturing of sustainable biomimetic reefs for coastal ecosystem conservation
At CETIM, we are researching new concepts for artificial reefs for coastal regeneration and environmental preservation, offering an integrated, flexible and sustainable solution to mitigate the effects of climate change and its impact on the ocean environment.
Concept of the CORAL project.
CORAL project proposes innovative nature-based solutions through the production of sustainable artificial reefs made from industrial waste and designed with bio-inspired geometries adapted to the geomorphology of the seabed, which help to restore degraded coastal ecosystems and complement the natural environment, creating favourable habitats for the development of marine life.
So, we will investigate new nature-based eco-engineering solutions for coastal restoration and marine biodiversity based on three synergistic pillars:
1. Circular Economy
2. Bio-inspired Designs
3. Advanced and flexible manufacturing techniques leveraged by the concept of eco-construction.
The main challenges and innovations are: the recovery of local waste, the design of sustainable, printable mortars free of Portland cement, and biomimicry through 3D printing for the restoration of coastal ecosystems.
To achieve its main objective, CORAL has a multidisciplinary consortium with complementary skills and functions: three companies from different sectors and of different sizes, together with two research centres. COPASA, a large company and leader of the initiative, will be responsible for the execution of civil works in the port area, CYE (small company) will be responsible for quality control on site, and RECINOR (medium-sized company) will act as a supplier, conditioner and waste manager. CETIM and AIMEN, private technological centres, will focus on the design and development of material formulations and products for 3D printing, and will contribute their expertise in additive manufacturing of cementitious materials, life cycle analysis methodologies, and abiotic and biomimetic monitoring in water.
CORAL Project (CPP2024-011689) is funded under the Colaboración Público Privada 2024 call for projects, with an expected duration of 36 months, from October 2025 to September 2028, and a total budget of €1,381,435.05.
