GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT
3D printed houses
By Mike Hughes
Science Fiction comes to reality with latest 3D printing
The construction industry has traditionally been very conservative and builders tend to
keep more or less to the same processes of construction, adapting only to the projects at
hand. 3D printing construction is one of the fastest growing sectors within the construction
industry. Experts say that this type of construction will become the norm in the near future.
What exactly is 3D printing construction?
Basically, a computer driven robotic arm is programmed to discharge
a special concrete mix in many layers to create walls. The machine
consists of a head that moves in three dimensions and it extrudes a
reinforced concrete-like material. The extrusion is done in horizontal
layers, one above the other. The concrete paste then hardens to form a
rigid structure in a matter of hours. When you add up all the layers, you
can build a house of any shape. Something like continuously squeezing
a tube of toothpaste to form a line across your basin!
The flow of the concrete is also controlled, so openings can be left in
the walls, for doors and windows. These doors and other parts can
be manually installed at a later stage. Structures like walls are normally
hollowed out to allow for utility lines to pass through and reduce the
amount of materials used. Less material not only adds to the durability
but also saves a ton of money on the construction costs for the architects
and contractors using 3D printing. While the benefits are endless there
are still quite a few hurdles holding back this technology.
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Advantages:
• Lower constructions costs
• Less material and waste
• Recycled materials incorporated into the concrete mix
• Process takes less time and can work 24/7
• Repeat processes for low cost housing
• ‘Green building’ technology
Disadvantages:
• Can only use concrete so there is a lack of adaption for other
material finishes
• New engineering/building guidelines and codes need to be
re-established
• Still a fairly new process and the industry needs more experience in
this construction methodology
ISSUE 40 - DECEMBER 2019