NANO-ENHANCED SPEED BUMPS INSTALLED IN SUNDSVALL

New speed bumps reinforced with our graphene-based additive 2Dx^® CO-NXT are being installed at the Gärdehov roundabout in Sundsvall. The installation is part of ongoing work to evaluate how nano-reinforced concrete performs under real traffic and climate conditions, and how it can contribute to a more sustainable infrastructure.

Concrete has long been one of the world’s most widely used building materials. It’s strong, versatile, and easy to produce. But one of its main components, Portland cement, is a major climate villain, and cement production accounts for around 6-8% of global CO₂ emissions. By reinforcing concrete with our graphene-based additive 2Dx^® CO-NXT, the amount of Portland cement can be reduced while improving strength, durability, and resistance to cracking. Tests have shown that this technology could make concrete products last up to three times longer, helping cut both maintenance costs and raw material use.

Earlier this autumn, we cast four speed bumps together with Gunnar Prefab in Rättvik, two made of conventional concrete and two enhanced with 2Dx^® CO-NXT. Three of the four have now been installed at the Gärdehov roundabout in Sundsvall, one graphene-reinforced and two reference bumps. The fourth and final speed bump will be installed soon.

The project is supported by Klimatarena Sundsvall, a local initiative driven by Sundsvall Municipality to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Representatives from the Municipality, including Sandra Birgersson Roberts, Project Manager for Klimatarena Sundsvall, and Jeanette Hedlund, Chair of the City Planning Committee, attended the installation.

“We want to support all kinds of innovative research projects that can help solve climate challenges and create jobs, especially in collaboration with local companies. Being able to participate in, encourage and follow projects like this on is really cool!” says Jeanette Hedlund.

Three of the key components used in this nanotechnology are produced locally in Sundsvall, further strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem and reducing transport-related emissions, something that aligns perfectly with the municipality’s sustainability ambitions.

“This project is a great example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. By combining advanced nanotechnology with local production and collaboration, we’re not only making concrete more durable and resource-efficient, but we’re also building a stronger, more climate-smart region, says Jan Nordin, Business Developer at 2D fab.”

The speed bumps will be exposed to real traffic, winter weather and everyday wear and tear. Over the coming months, the results will provide valuable insights into durability, surface wear and long-term performance, demonstrating how nano-reinforced concrete can contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure.

We look forward to following the results and continuing our collaboration with partners as the project progresses!

ABOUT THE PROJECT
The project, called “Verification of new technology for climate-smart concrete” runs from January 2025 to December 2026. It is co-financed by Norrlandsnavet, the Swedish Energy Agency, Vinnova and Formas, and carried out together with 2D fab, Gunnar Prefab, Grafoam, Swerock and Sundsvall Municipality. The goal is to demonstrate durable, sustainable and cost-efficient infrastructure solutions using concrete reinforced with graphene-based materials.

Want to know more? Contact us today!

Jan Nordin, Business Developer, 2D fab
Mail: jan.nordin@2dfab.se
Phone: +46 73 802 83 70