Can digital fabrication meet low-carbon materials? A closer look at the environmental impact of 3D printing with earth
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Date
2023-12-12
Publication Type
Conference Paper
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yes
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Abstract
This paper compares conventional earth construction techniques (rammed earth and cob) with additive manufacturing techniques, specifically 3D printing (3DP) with earth. The goal is to analyze the degree to which using 3DP to build with earth is still considered "sustainable," based on the analysis of global warming potential (GWP), and how parameters such as printing resolution and stabilizer content in the mix can influence these impacts. The method used to conduct the analysis was based on a Life cycle assessment (LCA) model Cradle-to-Gate. Additionally, a case study is presented in which a custom deposition tool/end effector is integrated with an extrusion system, which allows a frequent high velocity deposition of extruded discrete earth elements. This technique is called Impact Printing and is still in the early stages of development, but first results show it could allow a more efficient deposition of material per time with lower process intensive energy, and could enable the use of less stabilizers than classic 3DP technology. Overall, this paper highlights the risks of combining digitalization with low-carbon materials, such as earth, and the need for further investigation and optimization of additive manufacturing techniques for sustainable construction practices.
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Publication status
published
External links
Book title
Proceedings of 19th International Conference on Non-Conventional Materials and Technologies (IC-NOCMAT 2023)
Journal / series
Volume
Pages / Article No.
768 - 776
Publisher
Federal University of Paraíba
Event
19th International Conference on Non-Conventional Materials and Technologies (IC-NOCMAT 2023)
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Life cycle assessment (LCA); Robotic Fabrication; Earth construction; 3D Printing (3DP); Environmental impact
Organisational unit
03972 - Habert, Guillaume / Habert, Guillaume
03709 - Kohler, Matthias / Kohler, Matthias
03708 - Gramazio, Fabio / Gramazio, Fabio
02655 - Netzwerk Stadt u. Landschaft ARCH u BAUG / Network City and Landscape ARCH and BAUG