Concrete Additive Manufacturing (2023-12)¶

Conventional approaches to construction with concrete involve casting using a mould, which is time consuming and limits the ability to build unique shapes, constraining the creativity of architects. 3D construction utilises additive manufacturing techniques, whereby structures are constructed by the deposition of sequential layers of material without the use of mould. This requires a unique material development approach, to create a concrete that will be pumpable yet low slump. Recent efforts have been made to enhance the sustainability of materials suitable for 3D printing, through the use of industrial wastes and chemical admixtures. This chapter aims to provide insights into material design, extrusion rheology and hardened properties of additively manufactured concrete, which can be used for concrete mixture qualification. The applications of 3D printable materials are also demonstrated by various construction projects. It underlines the effect of using different cementitious printable materials for sustainable building and construction.