3D Printed Concrete Tectonics: Assembly Typologies for Dry Joints

Abstract

Digital fabrication technologies and additive manufacturing techniques opened new opportunities and new challenges for the construction industry. Particularly, Concrete Extrusion. 3D Printing (CE3DP) introduces valuable opportunities for large-scale architectural elements. However, segmentation and assembly strategies haven’t been developed, and it remains a limiting factor for the expansion of concrete 3d printing to an industrial scale. In this context, the present research focuses on the design and fabrication possibilities of assembly interfaces, an essential topic for scaled-up 3D printed concrete components. Therefore, dry assembly interfaces in different printing orientations are prototyped to investigate characteristics and limitations of connection options.