The Smart Takes from the Strong: 3D printing stay-in-place formwork for concrete slab construction

Abstract

The wider aim of this research is to explore the architectural potential of additive manufacturing (AM) for prefabricating large-scale building components. It investigates the use of AM for producing building components with highly detailed and complex geometry, reducing material use and facilitating the integration of technical infrastructure.In order to achieve this, the concept of stay-in-place 3D printed formwork is introduced. AM is employed to produce sandstone formworks for casting concrete in any shape, regardless of geometric complexity. This approach explores the synergy between the geometric flexibility of 3D printing sand formworks and the structural capacity of concrete. It allows the production of composite components with properties superior to either individual material.