ETH Zurich combines 3D printing and casting to make more efficient concrete structures
Researchers at ETH Zurich have created a machine that controls the setting rate of concrete to offer a "seamless transition between casting and 3D printing" so that structures can be made that use less material.
The system called Fast Complexity combines two existing technologies for creating concrete forms ? 3D printing concrete and casting into formwork.
It was developed by Ana Anton, Andrei Jipa, Benjamin Dillenburger from ETH Zurich's Digital Building Technologies group and Lex Reiter from its Physical Chemistry of Building Materials group.
Fast Complexity combines 3D printing and casting of concrete
By controlling the setting rate of concrete, the system can either 3D print the fast-hardening concrete for more structural elements without formwork or extrude a more fluid concrete that can flow into castings. "The major innovation is the concrete 3D printing process developed by ETH Zurich,"Â Anton told Dezeen.
"Our material can be digitally controlled from a fluid concrete mix to a fast hardening concrete. In this way, we can have a seamless transition between casting and 3D printing."
The system could be used to make more efficient structures
The system could lead to a reduction in the amount of concrete used to create buildings as only the material that is needed would be poured or printed.
"Both the geometry of the slab and the deposition path are optimised to only add material where needed," said Anton. "Such geometrie...
-------------------------------- |
Watch our talk with Marshalls about building sustainably with brick | Talks | Dezeen |
|
Villa San Luigi: Tuscan Villa Design by COMO Castello Del Nero
08-05-2024 08:58 - (
Architecture )
A Quick Buck: Innovative Showroom Design Meets the Metaverse
08-05-2024 08:58 - (
Architecture )