3D printing also known as additive manufacturing is a
process of producing a three-dimensional object/structure by laying down successive
layers of material until entirely completed. Each layer is a thing horizontal
cross section of the finished product. 3D printing technology has evolved over
the years to an extent that it is now capable of producing bigger structures/objects
of varying complexity. My concentration is structural engineering and therefore
I am interested in how 3D printing technology can be used in the construction
industry. In 2014, A Chinese Company “Winsun Decoration Design Engineering Co” printed
10 houses in 24 hours using a 3D printer with a mixture of recycled
construction waste and quick-drying cement. In 2015, the same company
demonstrated exceptional capabilities of the 3D printing technology as they
built the world’s tallest 3D printed building i.e. a five-story apartment
building. The building was created using a 6.6 by 10 meter printer which pours
layers of a mixture composed of glass fiber, steel, cement, hardening agents
and recycled construction waste. Sections of the building were printed in the
plant and were assembled on site which is similar to prefabricating concrete
designs to create the final building. The building met relevant national
standards in terms of building code, it was declared safe, reliable and
features a good integration of architecture and decoration. However, 3D
printing is a relatively new method of construction and therefore specific
building codes for this method are non-existent, hence something to be developed
in the future by IBC. Furthermore, the company built a full sized 1,100 square
meter mansion with construction cost of only $160,000 using 3D printing technology.
A CAD design is used as a template, and the extruder which lays down the
material is controlled by a computer. Overall, the process saves between 30 –
60% of construction waste, decrease production times by 50 – 70% depending on
the complexity of the structure, reduce cost of labor by 50 – 80% hence resulting
in a construction method which is environmental friendly and cost effective. [1] [2]
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of
integrating different aspects of construction into a single system. It goes
beyond the planning and design phase of the project, extending throughout the
building life cycle as it incorporates construction management and facility
operations i.e. design, build and maintenance of the structure. Using BIM
software such as Revit by Autodesk, different phases of construction can be
simulated beforehand, hence opportunities such as pre-fabrication or pre-assembling
of certain systems can be done off-site which saves time and money. Delivery of
construction materials can be scheduled efficiently and thus waste can be
controlled/minimized on site. Planning using BIM also prevents possible hazards
that can occur during construction of a complicated structure. Models in BIM
can be used to detect possible maintenance failures in the building for
example: leakage of plumbing systems or HVAC ducts. BIM is now extensively used
in large scale construction projects as it enhances efficiency hence reducing
cost of construction as it lays the playing field for architects, structural
engineers, construction managers, mechanical and electrical engineers who all
work together in a unified system. [3]
Skyscrapers are heart of the skyline of any city, they are
beautiful however they cast long shadows, hence limiting sunlight and reducing
visibility. Therefore the future of such high rise structures is to design a
mirror glass façade which would reflect sunlight of the surrounding buildings to
minimize shade. Computer modelling can be used to calculate the different
angles at which sunlight hits the building façade which can be used to design
the curvature of the glass mirror needed to minimize shadows. [4]
References:
4. https://www.evernote.com/pub/view/aengineer/ae-510/20e74c1f-70eb-4d10-9070-7359b759be25?locale=en#st=p&n=20e74c1f-70eb-4d10-9070-7359b759be25
Hello Hatim,
ReplyDeleteI am also a structural engineer. After having read up on the capabilities of 3D printing it is astounding it is not more commonly used. Being able to create 10 houses in 24 hours with relative ease is no small feat.
I had never considered that different building codes would need to be implemented for structures made through this method. I am curious as to how difficult it would be to generate and implement these standards into common practice.
It is interesting how this will decrease construction time, the process of 3d printing will have a big impact on the safety of the construction workers as they are less likely to be exposed to hazardous materials. In terms of the materials, it’s ecofriendly and uses less materials as the walls are printed hollow, with zigzagging patterns inside to provide needed reinforcement.
ReplyDeleteActually I have read another article, where they built a larger building with multiple stories using the same technique
http://www.odditycentral.com/architecture/chinese-company-showcases-fully-3d-printed-villa-and-apartment-building.html
Hopefully, one day 3D-printing technology will be used to build skyscrapers.