Digital fabrication with concrete beyond horizontal planar layers


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Date

2024-12

Publication Type

Journal Article

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

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Data

Abstract

Digital fabrication technologies, such as 3D concrete printing, are currently making their way into the construction industry. The primary focus in this field is often on the depositing processes, such as extrusion 3D concrete printing, where material is typically applied in horizontal planar layers. This area has seen substantial progress in recent years. However, numerous research and development projects are specifically targeting the additive manufacturing of unreinforced raw concrete components. When implementing these technologies in practice, it has become clear that additional processes, such as fully automated process-parallel reinforcement integration, application of cover layers and formative and subtractive post-processing of the components, are essential for successful application. In addition, by varying the orientation, characteristics and arrangement of the layers, new shapes and functions can be realised. Examples include angled layer orientation for producing vaulted geometries without support structures, as well as non-planar layer formation for complex component geometries or assembly joints. Moreover, alternative innovative manufacturing processes, such as KnitCrete, Smart Dynamic Casting or Injection 3D Printing, reveal new potential for the application of digital manufacturing technologies in the construction industry. This article aims to demonstrate the possibilities offered by digital fabrication with concrete beyond the stacking of horizontal planar layers, and how these technologies can complement and expand a future digital fabrication strategy in the construction industry.

Publication status

published

Editor

Book title

Volume

186

Pages / Article No.

107663

Publisher

Elsevier

Event

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Digital fabrication with concrete; Additive manufacturing in construction; 3D concrete printing; Non-planar layer printing; Digital casting; Digital trowelling; Digital milling

Organisational unit

09566 - Dillenburger, Benjamin / Dillenburger, Benjamin check_circle
03891 - Flatt, Robert J. / Flatt, Robert J. check_circle
03708 - Gramazio, Fabio / Gramazio, Fabio check_circle
03709 - Kohler, Matthias / Kohler, Matthias check_circle
02284 - NFS Digitale Fabrikation / NCCR Digital Fabrication

Notes

Funding

141853 - Digital Fabrication - Advanced Building Processes in Architecture (SNF)

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