Piling and Pressing (2020-05)¶

This paper introduces a speculative method of 3D printing reinforced concrete columns called “piling and pressing.” Innovations in concrete 3D printing research are discussed, specifically those that pertain to the integration of reinforcement, the customization of printing extruders, and the development of 3D printed concrete structures as architectural components. Previous research into an experimental technique of 3D printing concrete called “pointillistic, time-based deposition” (PTBD) is introduced. Findings from research into PTBD that led to the development of the piling and pressing method are presented. The custom concrete 3D printing system that was innovated in order to develop the piling and pressing method is outlined in detail, including its material systems, mechatronic configurations, and temporal parameters. Challenges in both the prototyping of this system and the piling and pressing method are discussed. Finally, future investigations into the piling and pressing method are outlined with a particular emphasis on those that will advance this method towards full-scale architectural construction.