Research conducted by members of South East Technological University’s (SETU) Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment’s over a two-year period (2022-2024), has produced a novel, disruptive, smart surface technology which will have groundbreaking impacts on the international concrete industries. The research was carried out in partnership with FLI Global, and supported by the Design+ Technology Gateway.
The project was funded through the Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP). This programme is a hugely impactful venture which encourages Irish-based companies to work with Irish knowledge providers to develop and commercialise innovative research, delivering impactful societal change.
This research was conducted between SETU’s campus in Carlow and FLI Precast Solutions premises in Kilnock, Co. Carlow. The research team included Dr David Culliton and Dr Phuoc Huynh, both lecturers in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Dept. and members of engCORE at SETU, and Alex Flynn, FLI Precast Solutions. Billy House supported the team as a member of the Design+ Gateway.
On the importance of the research partnership, David Culliton said, “For SETU to partner with FLI Global, we can directly contribute to the work of organisations and industry, impacting the wider community regionally, nationally, and even globally. This is a key aspect of SETU’s strategic and research plans.”
Led by engCORE researchers, the project produced a sustainable Smart Surface Technology refurbishment solution addressing the complex issue associated with leak-failures in large, subterranean concrete liquid containment installations.
The research created a flexible surface technology that provides mechanically robust, long-term protection for the internal facade of these installations protecting them from corrosive and erosive effects of the contained liquid. The addition of bespoke remote leak-detection monitoring technologies assures system-integrity and long-term efficacy.
Speaking about the importance of the project, David Culliton, who was recently presented with the ‘Engaged Research and Impact Award: Research Impact: Industry and Commercialisation 2025’ at SETU’s annual Research Excellence Awards, said, “It was hugely enjoyable to work on this project in partnership with FLI Global and Dr Phuoc Huynh, an expert in concrete who joined us for this project from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Vietnam. Cement and construction are vital to our society, from transportation infrastructure to residential and corporate construction projects.
David continued, “Large, disused underground water/liquid retention infrastructure is a substantial national and international concern and potential resource. Research into the development of smart refurbishment technologies to re-introduce these unremovable structures into everyday use is so important as we work to achieve a greener future.”
Richard Whyte, Design+ Business Development Manager, commented, “It has been hugely rewarding to witness the work of this research project between SETU and FLI Global. Our goal at Design+ and through the Innovation Partnership Programme is to continuously support our talented researchers at SETU in their capacity to partner with industry to contribute to transforming their data findings into real-world impact.”
The DESIGN+ Technology Gateway is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-27. Based at SETU’s campus in Carlow. It has a proven track record in knowledge transfer and delivering innovation solutions to industry. It engages with companies on a one-to-one basis and through innovation programmes. Companies from multiple sectors can access a vast range of research expertise and development support. With a primary focus on design strategy and product design.
