Design and Development of 3 Axis 3D Printing of Sustainable Concrete Structures and Characterization of Affordable Housing Solutions

Abstract

The construction sector is one of the top industries worldwide with about 13% of global industrial expenses but has a very low productivity of only about 1% of annual growth in productivity.  The low productivity in the construction industry results in high costs of production.  3D printing of concrete is an evolving technology which utilizes digital and material technology to allow free-form construction without the use of formwork. 3D printing of concrete can significantly reduce the construction time and cost. The aim of this study is to determine the optimum mix for printable concrete with pumpability, extrudability, buildability and shape retention characteristics and print it using a 3D printer capable of extruding concrete in 3 different axes.