July 1st 2021
VIA university college
Architectural technology and construction management
3D printing on construction site
Is 3D printing in construction a key long term solution?
4th semester Elective subject
Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management
VIA University College, Aarhus, Denmark
Author: Samaa Aly
Consultant: Damir
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July 1st 2021
VIA university college
Architectural technology and construction management
Report title:
3D printing in construction site
Author(s) and student
number(s):
Samaa Aly Mohamed 266241
Consultant:
Damir Hatic
Number of pages (2400
keystroke/page):
18
Hand in date: 01/07/2021
Title page
I (samaa) hereby confirm that this report has been made without receiving
unauthorized help cf. Government order no. 1500 of 2/12-2016 § 20,2 cf. §20, 1 and
2.
date and signature: samaa aly 1/7/2021
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Architectural technology and construction management
Foreword
The report is part of the EPE course of the ATCM education for 4th semester at Via University College
Aarhus C. this report deals with 3D printing on construction site.
3D printing has been very famous over the past decade, and for a good reason. though initially it started
out as a product for prototyping purposes, 3D printing has advanced significantly over the years. While
3D printing technology has proven beneficial in the medical, aerospace, and tool-making products like,
there is one other field that is potentially could be a life changer: the construction sector.
Acknowledgments:
I would like to express my great appreciation to a fellow friend who works in Ramboll company who
helped me with an interview on 3D printing, and to my consultant Damir Hatic for being approchable
and guiding me through the report.
Abstract
The purpose of this report is to research and establish what benefits construction 3D printing has to
offer to construction companies, and to increase the reader’s knowledge on the technology.
The inspiration for writing on this specific topic is because of the lack of use for it, although multiple
companies are using it but most of them are using it as a help guide and not for a full project use even
though it could be used for a full project use.
I decided to make quantitative way of research by studying a professional literature and questioning
companies with 3D printing technology if it is possible.
The main question that I will be answering in this report is: Is 3D printing in construction a key long
term solution?
Research questions:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 3D printing technology in the construction
industry and is there a future perspective in this technology compared to the conventional
design methods?
How does the 3D printers work and what methods of printing do we use for construction?
What Materials can 3D printer use and is sustainability and quality the same as traditional
materials?
Is it possible to print different elements in one project?
What types and sizes of the building are we able to print and in what level?
Why only few countries are implemnting it?
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Contents
Foreword ...............................................................................................................................................................3
Abstract ............................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................5
1. Problem presentation ..................................................................................................................................5
2. Problem background ....................................................................................................................................5
2.1.
prespective ..............................................................................................................................................5
3. problem statement ......................................................................................................................................6
4. delimitation ..................................................................................................................................................6
5. short presentation of theoritical basis .........................................................................................................6
6. short presentation of empirical data ...........................................................................................................6
7. structure and reading guide .........................................................................................................................6
8. Theoritical data ...............................................................................................................................7
8.1.
History of 3D printing ..............................................................................................................................7
8.2.
3D printing taken for granted ..................................................................................................................7
8.3.
How does 3D printing works? ..................................................................................................................8
9.1.
can 3D printing be the future?...............................................................................................................10
9.2.
3D Printing will make the Construction Industry more sustainable. .....................................................12
9.3.
Structures printed using 3D technology ................................................................................................13
9.4.
Top 5 3D printed construction innovations ...........................................................................................14
9.5.
Denmark in construction 3D printing projects ......................................................................................17
9.6.
Advantges and disadantages of 3D printing ..........................................................................................18
10. Empirical data ..........................................................................................................................21
10.1. Survey with a worker in Ramboll, Denmark ..........................................................................................21
11. Analysis ................................................................................................................................22
11.2. Sub-conclusion ...........................................................................................................................................22
12. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................23
13. Reflection ........................................................................................................................23
Refrences……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..25
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Architectural technology and construction management
Introduction
1. Problem presentation
3D printing in construction can either involve the use of a 3D printer attached to an arm which
actively builds a project on-site or the use of printers in a factory which create components of a
building project that are assembled later. As a concept, 3D printing is not new – it was first
developed in the 1980s. However, only in the last decade has the technology improved enough
(and the costs declined sufficiently) for it to become main stream.
3D printers are not unlike your desktop inkjet printer. A software programme ‘tells’ the printer
about the dimensions of the end product. The printer then injects material on a platform
according to that plan. 3D printers often use liquid metals, plastics, cement and a variety of
other materials which then cool or dry to form a structure. For 3D printing in construction, a
CAD or BIM programme ‘tells’ the 3D printer what it needs to print, and the machines then
begin layering out levels of material according to the plan.
In 2004, Professor Behrokh Khoshnevis of the University of South Carolina attempted the first
3D printed wall. Since then, this innovation has exploded and it’s now possible to build a house
in just 20 hours! The professor developed an FDM 3D printer, mounted on a robotic arm, that
extrudes concrete layers instead of plastic to create a 3D model.
This Contour Crafting technology demonstrated all the qualities needed to use additive
manufacturing on construction sites: reduction in costs and waste, faster construction speed,
reduction of accidents, complex architectural shapes, and more. His discovery marked the
beginning of 3D printing in construction. However, it remains much less used than certain
sectors such as aeronautics or medical
2. Problem background
This report has been written as a compulsory part of the 4th semester elective subject in the
Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Managementeducation at VIA University
College, campus Aarhus, Denmark. It’s about a new technology called Construction 3D printing
that uses concrete and other matrials as it’s printing material, and how this innovation can
benefit companies working in construction industry.
2.1.
prespective
I chose this subject because during my studies i discovered all the potentials of using new
technologies in the construction industry field. I chose this research to get more knowledge on
the subject of 3D printing. Moreover, i am aware of the current environmental issues and that
the construction field is responsible for the biggest greenhouse gas and co2 emitters. My main
concentration for the future is to be able to design and build an environmentally friendly
autistic center for all the kids who suffer from autism and eplipsy and for them to get better
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Architectural technology and construction management
they need a clean, green enviorment place to be safe at and so thats one of the reasons i would
like to research on new technologies and their enviormental impact.
3. problem statement
Is 3D printing in construction a key long term solution?
Research questions:
•
•
•
•
•
•
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 3D printing technology in the
construction industry and is there a future perspective in this technology compared to
the conventional design methods?
How does the 3D printers work and what methods of printing do we use for
construction?
What Materials can 3D printer use and is sustainability and quality the same as
traditional materials?
Is it possible to print different elements in one project?
What types and sizes of the building are we able to print and in what level?
Why only few countries are implemnting it?
4. delimitation
In this report i will focus on finding out if 3D printing is a long term solution, while also stating the
advantages and disadvantges while carefully considering if the perks of it is higher than the faults.
Moreover, i will talk prefely about how it works and what materials can be used and how limited is it.
5. short presentation of theoritical basis
I am basing my report on: articles from web pages, books, reports, and a survey with a fellow friend
working in a danish company in copenhagen.
Due to lack of information on the subject, the sources are mostly articles and opinions of experts in the
field. The technology is still quite new in the field and the companies that are working with it usually
preserve their knowledge from the public to keep the market for themselves.
6. short presentation of empirical dat a
My empirical data will mostly consist of qualititive data from opinions, articles found on the internet,
and a survey. Quantitive data will be less, but based on research papers, reports, and books.
7. structure and reading guide
The report starts with an introduction, where the subject of 3D printing in construction is mentioned for
personal knowledge gain. The main problem question and seecondary questions are established to be
answered during the main section.
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Architectural technology and construction management
First, the 3D printing process is eplained, how its developed will be explained briefly. Followed by a list
adantages and disadanteges of 3D printing in the construction site, scrutinizing each point. A
transcripted survey will be written. Based on that; a comparsion will be made finding out if its a viable
solution to be used, and a future debate of this technology evolution.
And a recommendation for companies that would like to get involved and use the 3D printing. Finally a
conclusion will be made of the report answering the problem statement and its sub-questions, witha
brief reflection process at the end.
8. Theoritical data
8.1.
History of 3D printing
3D printing technology has a progressive historical development over the years featured by various
designs, descriptions and characters. The invention started in 1984, the invention was called
stereolithography (SLA) made by ’’charles hull’’, a method of 3D printing where designers create a 3D
model that is then printed layer by layer into a solid, physical object. The SLA process involves pointing a
UV lazer at a liquid photopolymer which makes it solid.
One of th earliest uses of 3D printing was to print tabletop scale models for architecture firms. These
models in pre-BIM days, helped in the design process, and were valuable tools for both selling and
planning building projects.
By the 1990’s several organizations began experimenting with using 3D printing to produce modular
components of full scale projects. By the 2000s, these applications were in full swing and getting set to
transform the entire industry.
8.2.
3D printing taken for granted
While the world is getting more and more technologically advanced, people have been looking for a
faster more efficient way to make the process faster, cheaper, and more environmental friendly. The
issue is still arising. While the tradational way of constructing is great and the whole world is using
traditions to construct, the issues or conflicts are many; it takes from couple months to several years to
construct which involves alot of money to build a simple building.
Unfortuantly, the traditionals ways has became more and more ineffcient and accidental consumption
of building materials, time, and human resources became an impracticial and ineffcient method for the
construction field.
3D printing machines however could save up the trouble for multiple conflicts that the construction field
is still facing till this day. During the printing process the printer use material defined by a designer or
building constructor and then prints out a previously prepared file with necessary information for
printing which results in a three-dimensional object. The process itself is when the machine builds up
the object layer by layer to reduce the product waste. By using the 3D printing method, the construction
waste, time and money possibly can be reduced. The additive production also can reduce the
construction process impact to the environment because there is a possibility to use recyclable
materials.
Now, at the present multiple companies started working with 3D printing in the construction industry.
And while it is on demand in multiple countries such as America, China, germany, and the netherlands
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which the top four countries who are taking the lead with the 3D printing. Denmark for example is not
using it as much, even though you could find multiple articles and facts from companies all over the
country trying to find a solution for construction waste and having a more green environmental place to
live in. Moreover, Despite the opportunities, many construction industry professionals have different
opinions about the effect 3D printing could bring to their business.
8.3.
How does 3D printing works?
So, how does 3D printing work exactly. The idea about 3D printing has been buzzing around already for
some time now. The 3D printing gradually starts become a reality in Building construction industry,
architects and contractors all around the world have started to build one of the first residential and
commercial structures and building components.
3D printers have the ability to create complex shapes and structures what building designer also is
known as an architect give a chance to be flexible in building design as well as to fulfill the client ideas
on the absolutely new level. The printer can print complicated linear curve structures by using materials
as concrete and composite mixtures. The 3D printer can print the curved structures and make it very
strong design especially when it is compared with limits of the concrete work and the rectangular
shapes.
“Many modern buildings make stunning use of line and form, defying convention and – it sometimes
seems – gravity.”
The panorama of 21st-century towns and cities is no longer the same. The skyline of cities used to be
dominated by massive rectangular buildings but now it starts to change. By development of technology
nowadays it is possible to make mind blowing curves which wind up to impossible heights.
At the moment architectural tendencies put a lot of pressure on building construction professionals by
demands of different materials and shapes what limits some of the projects with dramatic and futuristic
shapes to be realized so the progress stops beyond the imagination. The stage of building design
complexity is more forward than the current situation in building construction practice and the available
budget.
For the past couple of decades, the Loughborough University research team of Civil and Building
Engineering have been working on 3D printing to develop a technology for the building construction and
architectural engineering industry to change the way of producing and manufacturing the building
elements and components to achieve the apparently impossible. Interesting approach to design
innovations for building materials discussed in one of the workshops is to use unusual mechanical
properties for 3D printing to imitate the materials of nature.
Now, moving on to the process of 3D printing; The printing process at this moment is not completely
autonomous and depends on the type of printer. Workers still need to be on site and participate for
installation of the printer and other tasks during the printing process.
For a traditional 3D print house:
•
•
•
1 step: Identify space requirements for 3D printer
2 step: Excavate for foundation as traditional construction method
3 step: Install the printer with a crane, depending on the printer’s type:
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-Printer crane-like: assembly and test on site.
-Printer gantry system: Install rails, assembly and test on site.
•
•
•
4 step: Raw materials (high performance concrete), is pump from the concrete truck to the
printer and at this time, the printer can start to print the building.
5 step: Printing start, it’s let by CAM for certain point of 3 dimensions of room.
6 step: Bridge to windows
-Printer crane-like: lintels are install manually.
-Printer gantry system: lintels are install by an arm robotic integrate to the 3D printer (Need to
be prefabricate and put near the printer to be install).
•
7 step: Ceiling installation for a second floor
-Printer crane-like: A crane install the ceiling as the traditional way.
-Printer gantry system: The arm robotic install the pre manufactured ceiling.
To completely finish the house, step 5, 6 & 7 are repeated and then installing the roof instead a ceiling
for another floor. This printing process is simplified, as 3D printer is currently in development and
companies tend to keep the full disclosure private.
one of the 3D printing machines i found was a mobile on site printer. Mobile on site printer is an
efficient mechanical tool. It is a smart machinery what is easy to be delivered on site in short span of
time and energy to start actual construction work on site.
Renting a printer for building site you can reduce some of your labour resources what saves on labour
expenses, building construction waste, also saves you from renting many different machines to start up
a building process. Now one of the 3D printers thats been found can replace all building construction
team saving money without reduced quality of the work.
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Architectural technology and construction management
9. Methodology
9.1.
can 3D printing be the future?
The technology of 3D printing has dramatically improved in past couple of years and the manufacturers
are trying to take an advantage. As an interesting fact, 3D printers now can print different items ranging
from a pair of shoe to vehicle. In Japan, this technology is used to help those who are impaired to
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Architectural technology and construction management
discover the world and they believe that very soon there will be a possibility to print out even organs for
people needs. All these potentials leave world surprised.
What this all new technology is going to bring for the construction industry? Despite the opportunities,
many construction industry professionals have different opinions about the effect 3D printing could
bring to their business. Rising level of automation in the construction business has been
disadvantageous to the labor market in the past.
One of the construction specialists to take an advantage of the opportunities of 3D printing is University
of Southern California professor, Behrokh Khoshnevis, author of Contour Crafting has once said at Ted
Talk, “If you look around, pretty much everything is made automatically today—your shoes, your
clothes, home appliances, your car… The only one thing which is still built by hand are these houses.”
And later: “Building Construction as we know it today is wasteful, costly, and often over budget.” But
what could 3D printing do to help solve these problems?
Reduced costs: China -located 3D printing building construction company WinSun, are expecting that 3D
printing will save up to 50% for building construction companies. This could appear as a lifesaver for
construction managers with access to new technology.
Marketing: Very often when automation and mechanization rises, prices tend to drop. 3D printing
technology is an affordable way to provide housing for the poor in need of adequate shelter.
Environmental Construction: Wealth Daily propose that with the appearance of 3D printing, “The use of
wood in the home’s framework would be spared.” This is a great progress for “green” building
construction companies and a horrifying progress for the lumber industry.
Improved Project Planning: As an important part of every project plan is considered the project design.
With 3D printing technology, companies will have an ability to quickly and in a less expensive way create
3D models as a visual representation of the projects and to point out possible problems on the early
stage of design development and avoid delays.
Client Expectations: Since the 3D printers are already on market by the time it will make communication
between building construction professionals and customers much easier by clear and efficient
communication. In this way client with no architectural background would be able to express his self and
make sure the their idea is clear. Even so, the 3D printing is not going to solve problems with shortage of
the construction industry’s qualified workers. It looks clear that 3D printing existence potentials for the
construction industry to become both greener and cost effective.
As the 3D printing research continues to discover new opportunities, it is very interesting to so what is it
going to bring for building industry. By exploiting 3D printing instead of creating technical developments,
quality could be achieved without any visual monotony.
Architects would be able to create multiple variations of building designs for each single building and
even personalize them to the client’s needs faster than with the traditional method.
It is estimated that individual design can increase the costs of the project by 40% but on the other hand
if the 3D printer is used it can create an accurate design by 42% faster than using the traditional method.
3D printing can also exclude the need of prefabricated elements entirely as the elements would be
created and later on hardened in special forms directly on the site.
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Using on site method the manufacturers would avoid additional cost in case of any damages that could
occur. During the delivery process from the manufacter to the building site as well as sustainable
transportation. Transportation is considered a main aspect of sustainability when actually it can
accumulate a large amount of waste created in certain industries, especially in building construction
industry. The waste warries from packing materials used for transportation to CO2 emissions of fuel and
monetary waste such as transportation cost.
Building a full house with 3D printed model will allow a constant analyse of the structure. People who
are involved in the project must analyse the constructions which are built by them and even look for
additional assistance in computer drafting programs. Yet, when the construction process starts on the
building site, human error can occur. There are such solutions as computer software aid which will give
you run trough of how to assemble all the 3d printed components and elements of the project. After
scrutinizing the structures of the building, printing becomes way easy and leaves almost no worries to
constructors. When it is time to start construction work of 3d building a computer will do all the
necessary work by printing out previously prepared structures. The printer eliminates the human error
by checking structural accuracy using other software’s 3D printing is proved to be a safer way to build
houses, which also makes it all very simple and technological.
9.2.
3D Printing will make the Construction Industry more sustainable.
When thinking of sustainability, we talk about disposing of all aspects of our available working materials
and reduction of waste to help build buildings in a conservative fashion. Overlooking common methods
used today, a lot of our material is left as waste as we cut and throw away over left. Once again it is the
reason because many workers are educated in a standard way of constructing the buildings. Efficiency
plays a major role in the building industry today it doesn’t only saves money but saves valuable
environmental resources.
Centuries ago, when construction first came to light there was little doubt with a number of resources
being wasted. The resources involved in building sector kept working with the unsustainable standard
which was out of date and now we are facing a shortage of resources. The overall consumption of
resources is exhausted and it affects the environment as well as project costs.
To reduce our reliance on natural resources will positively influence our planet Earth and keep us more
in line with a sustainable future. The 3D printing era has developed faster than ever. The 3D printing
technology suits very well with building construction industry’ s desires to be more sustainable and
efficient by producing the amount of material needed, reducing the amount of waste and also labour
cost.
In accordance with Vincent Hui, the associator of Architectural Science at Ryerson University. It also
could make the home more affordable. 3D printing works by principle creating an entire element with
thousands of tiny layers printed on top of each other, starting from the object bottom. Each layer can be
very advanced, based on clients and architects vision, so 3D printer nozzles print out the moving parts
such as hinges as a part of the same object. “So far mostly concrete extrusions are used as a material for
3D printing in building industry. Some more advanced engineering companies might use metal based
materials such as titanium and steel, but just because of durability and accessibility, current practices
which use 3D printing are more liable to concrete based printing, “Hui explained.
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The possibility to print 3D city structures comes at a decisive time for engineers, architects, and building
construction managers, according to Hui. “There need to be a general change in the building
construction industry. This industry needs innovations and the way to do it is by welcoming new
technologies.,” he said. Hui went on to explain that 3D printing technology has developed effectively to
help to build industry evolve materials which are environmentally friendly, cost and time efficient.
Wood, concrete, and steel are the most common building materials used in building industry, and they
all have an ecological impact to the environment. For example, concrete is one of the materials which
have very little potential for renewal or reuse. Some of the researches show that concrete production
itself worldwide produce 5% of CO2 emissions alone.
Those who support 3D printing as a potential tool also say it could make buildings more affordable since
the costs can be very high for builders as well as for building owners. Even so, there are already many
benefits from 3D printing technology it is still critical.
Back in 2016, Autodesk CTO Jeff Kowalski said, “client vision of the final result often is closely related to
science fiction what was a turning point for 3D technology development to make consumer dreams
come true.” He argued to reporters: "Consumers prefer things pre-composed for us. They prefer to buy
that end product instead of fiddle with each bit. It's why we still go to restaurants instead of cooking for
ourselves all the time." The whole building cannot easily come out from the printer, but such
components as concrete, goffret filters and domes made out of special foam.
Ontario Association of Architects president John Stephenson opinion about 3D printing potential’ s as a
"technology that will drive design, and the freedom afforded by 3D printing could open lots of
possibilities."
Continuing discussion, Hui cautioned that there's an urgent need to be practical about the building
components necessary for building homes, such as the electrical wiring and plumbing systems, which 3D
printing can't replace today yet. "It's not the magic of 'set it and forget it'," he said, "because buildings
take a tremendous amount of effort to construct."
Soon 3D will be an additional tool in building construction industry as the contrary of replacing the
wholesale. It will be another way of sustainability in a sector which urges for many doses of
environmentally friendly solutions as it can absorb.
9.3.
Structures printed using 3D techno logy
Back in 2014, engineers at company Arup used 3D printing method to fabricate a steel node for a
lightweight structure. Salomé Galjaard the team leader at Arup said, “This has a huge part for reducing
costs, cutting waste and enables a very sophisticated design…”
Professor at the University of California Behrokh Khoshnevis has developed a process of 'contour
crafting'. In this process, concrete is used to produce smallscale models of the external and internal
walls for buildings and is testing a giant mobile 3D printer that could be used to build the walls of a
house in 24 hours. This system requires a flat ground slab with underground services in place before any
actions take a place of 3D printing. Rails are installed both sides of the footprint to take a gantry crane
that spans the building. A nozzle which is driven by a computer controlled crafter then delivers layers of
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concrete. The layers poured by machine build up to form an inner and outer skin for each wall, leaving
them to be filled later with insulation or concrete. And so far this method has been used multiple times
around the world in couple countries and houses has been built even under twenty four hours time.
Shanghai based company WinSun has used large 3D printers to spray a mixture of quick drying cement
and recycled raw materials (ref BBC). This has given a possibility to them to construct 10 small
demonstrations 'houses' in less than 24 hours. They have estimated that each house can be printed for
less than $5,000. The system fabricates blocks off-site by pouring cement layer by layer in a diagonally
reinforced pattern. When the cement is hardened blocks are then assembled on site. Winsun believes
that in future it will be possible to use the technique to build larger houses or even skyscrapers. Back in
2015, they have managed to print an entire villa and a five-story apartment building.
Ramboll company in Denmark delivered a new design concept that adopts the 3D printing technology to
construct wind turbine towers to GE Renewable Energy, one of the largest companies in the onshore
wind market worldwide.
In 2006, Dr. Behrokh Khoshnevis of the University of Southern California unveiled the Contour Crafting
System, an enormous 3D printer designed to literally print buildings in place. It works like a desktop 3D
printer, but uses a crane to do the printing, and concrete as the medium, to lay down a building’s
structural elements.
In 2014, a Dutch firm (DUS Architect) set out to demonstrate the potential for 3D printed architecture,
by building a canal house out of 3D printed plastic in Amsterdam. The project uses a giant crane-like
printing arm called the “Kamermaker,” which literally means, “Room Builder.”
In 2015, the Dutch 3D Printing firm MX3D began printing a full-scale steel bridge, to be installed in
downtown Amsterdam. the bridge is fully functional. It is a proof of concept piece for the MX3D
technology, which aims to make steel construction more cost efficient and faster.
In January 2016, architecture firm SOM announced a partnership with the US Department of Energy's
Oak Ridge National Laboratory to produce highly efficient dwelling structures consisting of a 3D printed
pod and a combination of renewable solar and natural gas energy systems.
9.4.
Top 5 3D printed construction innovations
The Printed Villa
who: Hushang Tengda
what: 400m square villa printed on site in 45 days
where: Beijing, China
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While in industry involved debate the methodology and the finer points, this in China based company
took an action and simply went and built a villa with a robotic arm attached to a 3D printer head. The
project is full-sized house that was printed on to a steel frame in just 45 days. Each wall of the building is
250mm thick, the building can resist an earthquake that measures an 8 on the Richter scale and it is a
better house in many aspects.
The 3d printing technology also allowed the company to create extravagant gazebos that would be take
a lots of time for a team of builders. This type of villa would have taken up to three months with
traditional construction methods. So the advantage of 3D printing is cut of the time as well as labour and
material costs. Printing on site was a big jump forward and showed that we are dependent on 3D
printed houses. There is no compromise with this villa and it is one of the first that has been printed on
site, as a functional house rather than a simple engineering demonstration. We might look back on this
one building in the not too distant future and see it as a landmark and a tipping point. This really could
be the house that changed the world.
Minibuilders
who: Institute of Advance Architecture of Catalonia
what: An army of robots that build as a unit
where: Barcelona
This is an absolutely new concept and very possibly points out the way forward for the industry. Instead
of using one large printer, the Minibuilders used an army of smaller machines that are the size of
desktop printers. The biggest of the was just 42cm, but these printers can create high rise buildings and
skyscrapers.
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One type of printers lays the foundations before a second one is assigned on to the small wall to build it
up to any height needed. The machineries are easy to transport, the building construction company can
use as many printers as it wants and it is even possible to hang them upside down and print a ceiling.
The other thing is that machines can work round clock unlike the builders. It’s a significant breakthrough
and reduce the logistic issues of placing a huge printer on site. It means the machines can work
anywhere, from remote and poverty-stricken areas to the most crowded city areas
Printed Soil
who: IAAC
what: Literally creating a building from the soil on site.
where: Barcelona
Another Revolutionary project from the IAAC, institute. The IAAC institute has found a way to collect the
soil from the ground then combine it with just a few additional ingredients and turn it into a building
material with a good resistance strength which is three times higher than industrial clay.
It is an impressively massive discovery that could change the whole world, for example just the
construction industry. If the team of 3D printer operators can use soil into their Minibuilders then they
can take this concept to the poorest countries in the world and build schools, houses and even hospitals
from the soil we walk on. The ability to turn the soil into usable construction material would change
everything.
Landscape House
who: Janjaap Ruijssenaars
what: A house with no beginning and end
where: Amsterdam
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Like in the Chinese competition, during an exhibition in Amsterdam, Janjaap Ruijssenaars has discovered
a way to actually 3D print this house, the scale of model form. It’s a futuristic house where design and
form play such a big role as much of a part as function and the Mobius house. Technically this house has
no beginning and no end, it looks a bit like one infinitive corridor. It is a shattering piece of design,
though, and it is possible to be printed with one 20 foot robotic arm attached to a mobile base.
One big discovery for the building industry using 3D printing for the house and it was before he realised
that it will be the simplest and most cost-efficient way to realise his architectural masterpiece.
Emergency accommodation
who: Innoprint
what: Shelters that can be ready to go in 30 minutes
where: Nantes, France
This simple and genius idea from the University of Nantes could help victims of nature disastrous get
over a hard time. The INNOprint is not supposed to designed pretty houses or long lasting. These are
very simple temporary shelters that can protect people against the cold, wet or otherwise just plain
nasty weather conditions as quickly as possible. The buildings are made from polyurethane and they
build up by a robotic arm with a printer head at the end. All that matter is the speed when you have
people to take care of. This is a part of equipment that charities around the world would love to have in
their hands to make caring for huge numbers of displaced people in the case of a disaster much easier.
9.5.
Denmark in construction 3D printing projects
Denmark has been an active participant in 3D printing industry. In 2014 3D Printhuset opened one of the
largest 3D printing stores in the world, situated in Copenhagen (Upputuri, 2017). However, while Danes
have made remarkable advances in 3D printing, it has not been going as fast with Construction 3D
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printing. Danish Technological Institute is currently researching this new technology, with their aim to
print objects for the building industry (Andersen, 2017).
And as mentioned earlier in 2021 Ramboll has designed a turbane tower which was completly build with
a 3D printer machine
However, one of the biggest challenges for Construction 3D printing to overcome in Denmark is the
Scandinavian design, which is all about natural materials, neutral colors and sleek clean lines.
9.6.
Advantges and disadantages of 3D printin g
So now its clear that there is multiple advantages for using 3D printing in the construction field. Theres
mulitple benefits for it. Construction 3D printing opens a huge window of possibilities and benefits. This
cheap, fast and safe way of constructing structures is starting to be recognized by the building industry,
as more research, resources and time is spent on developing the new technology.
Endless possibilities
3D printers allow the architect to be more open-minded in the context of the structure’s design.
Construction 3D printers, that use concrete, can very well print curvilinear structures, that consist of or
are bounded by curved lines, which gives strong structural abilities. Practically every shape becomes
possible, giving in for opportunity of design that cannot be achieved using traditional formwork system.
Reduced costs
In a country like Denmark, where labour is very expensive, citizens having average income of 2300 euro
per month, it decreases costs a lot if the human labour can be minimalized. With a construction 3D
printer the actual structure can be done with minimal/or none of human involvement, therefore
reducing the cost of manufacturing, and the price for consumers.
On average, around 75% of the average cost of a new house comes from the construction process,
where there is still a reliance on virgin, finite materials, which are assembled manually on-site. 10-15%
of the material input is wasted through overordering, poor storage, theft or just poor coordination
between project managers (Egerton-Read, 2017). Apis Cor, who printed a house on-site in Russia, have
stated that all costs together with foundation, walls, floor, roof, wiring, windows and doors, exterior and
interior finishing amounted to total of 10,134 dollars.
Manufactring
Construction 3D printers can work non-stop, with minimal human aide. Therefore, they can work 24/7,
even new designs can just be uploaded in the printer’s programme, as it’s all based on Building
Information Modelling (BIM), which is an intelligent 3D modelbased process that equips architecture,
engineering, and construction professionals with the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design,
construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure.
Reduced time
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On-site 3D printing means that various time-consuming steps can simply be cut out from the design
process. Normally, the building design process requires input from up to five different parties including
architects, engineers, contractors, clients and executive parties.
With 3D printing, all of these roles can be integrated into the role of the architect alone, with the help of
simulation techniques and modelling to ensure structural integrity. 3D representations also enable
consumers to visualise the design, meaning that changes can easily be implemented before the build.
Less waste
Contractors interviewed in the research believe that 3D printing has the potential to eliminate three
major factors relating to transportation logistics.
Firstly, many parts get damaged in transit, which could be eliminated by on-site printing. Secondly, parts
must be over-engineered in order to withstand transportation, involving additional costs. On-site 3D
printing would remove the need for such over-engineering. Thirdly, secure transportation and hoisting
requires parts to have additional features, creating a need for additional, post-assembly work. On-site
3D printing would remove the need for these features.
Furthermore, 3D printing removes the need for wooden moulds that are used in traditional
construction, because in 3D printing the raw material is directly moulded into a construction.
Making customised houses available to the wider market
The digitisation of a large part of the production process means that complex products can be
customised at a minimal added cost.
Traditionally, constructing a house with the help of an architect has been too expensive for many
consumers – not because of the cost of the architect per se, but because of the need for adapting
construction methods.
With 3D printing of concrete, the actual shape that is printed is irrelevant to the cost, meaning that
more people will be able to afford customised houses to meet their requirements.
Simpler and more efficient installation of pipes and electrics
In conventional construction, heating systems, insulation, running water and electricity all require
labour-intensive on-site installation. But with 3D printing of concrete, some of these functions can
become integrated in the 3D printing process.Printing hollow walls means less materials are needed,
enables improved insulation, and can potentially enable the use of 3D printed canals to transport hot or
cold water. Additionally, without the need for on-site installations, a reduction in waste can be achieved.
Now with the disadvantges:
Like everything in life nothing is done perfectly, and while theres many pros to 3D printing there is few
disadvantges to it.
Limited Materials
While 3D Printing can create items in a selection of plastics, concrete, wood and metals the available
selection of raw materials is not exhaustive. This is due to the fact that not all metals or plastics can be
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temperature controlled enough to allow 3D printing. In addition, many of these printable materials
cannot be recycled and very few are food safe. However the technology is still being devoloped and
theres multiple researchs showing that the creators are working on making this better in the future.
Post Processing
Although large parts require post-processing, most 3D printed parts need some form of cleaning up to
remove support material from the build and to smooth the surface to achieve the required finish. Post
processing methods used include waterjetting, sanding, a chemical soak and rinse, air or heat drying,
assembly and others. The amount of post processing required depends on factors including the size of
the part being produced, the intended application and the type of 3D printing technology used for
production. So, while 3D printing allows for the fast production of parts, the speed of manufacture can
be slowed by post processing.
Reduction in Manufacturing Jobs
Another of the disadvantages of 3D technology is the potential reduction in human labour, since most of
the production is automated and done by printers. However, many third world countries rely on low skill
jobs to keep their economies running, and this technology could put these manufacturing jobs at risk by
cutting out the need for production abroad.
Design Inaccuracies
Another potential problem with 3D printing is directly related to the type of machine or process used,
with some printers having lower tolerances, meaning that final parts may differ from the original design.
This can be fixed in post processing, but it must be considered that this will further increase the time
and cost of production.
Copy right issues
As 3D printing is becoming more popular and accessible there is a greater possibility for people to create
fake and counterfeit products and it will almost be impossible to tell the difference. This has evident
issues around copyright as well as for quality control.
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10. Empirical data
10.1. Survey with a worker in Ramboll, Denmark
For my empirical data or real studies i emailed multiple companies for an interview but unfortuantly i
havent gotten any response from any of them. However, i managed to get a civil engineer Lezan Suliman
working in Ramboll to answer a few questions in a survey to get an idea on the prospect of 3D printing
in the Danish construction sector.
The survey was answered based on questions and comments:
1. What is the current situation of 3D printing technology in building industry?
- If we are talking about actual building printing it could take couple of years to have the first
printed, since it is still quite new to the industry in denmark.
2. How does the transition to digitalization have changed the rules of the game?
- It has increased necessity for people with slightly different knowledge to run the new
technology. The building models become easier to analyse because of accuracy the printer
provides.
3. do you think 3D printing is the future?
- 3D printing is definitely the future which will reduce the time and money spent on projects as
well as improved quality.
4. Does 3D printed elements have limitation of choice of materials?
- Yes, however, at the moment many universities around the globe are trying to solve the issue
with material variety.
5. Can 3D printer replace workers in the building industry?
Let’s be honest no matter if robot has an artificial intelligence it still cannot be creative as
human, on the other hand the static related questions would still lay on human shoulders.
6. Would it be cost and time more effective than using human resources?
- Yes, it would be more time, cost and also human resource efficient because it is more easy to
control the actions going on.
7. Do you support this new way of building and how do you think it is going to change the building
industry?
- I support this technology and in my opinion it will bring improvement by the time in building
industry related of materials, costs and waste.
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11. Analysis
This report is part of 4th semester Architectural Technology and Construction
Management bachelor degree. The purpose of report is to investigate the future opportunities of 3D
printing in the building construction industry. Besides, the reason is also to strengthen the 3D printing
technology by presenting its likely positive impacts on building construction delivery chain related
issues.
The analysis of report is based on theoretical data and empirical case studies.To get better
understanding about the real situation in building industry regarding 3D printing I have done resource
research online for theoretical part and a survey answered by a civil engineer working in a Danish
company which they are using with 3D printing technologies in some ways.
In the information resources online it explains several projects which have been created using 3D
printing as some of them are in China, spain, and Netherlands but nobody really talks about how it is
actually to live in printed house.
There are still many issues regarding printed house because of limited choice of materials as well as
building stability.
Some of the scientists see improvement of 3D printing quality in 5-10 years, but as mentioned before no
one really knows or been talking about how it feels living in a printed house.
11.2. Sub-conclusion
Reading the comments from the survey i have given, i could say that 3D printing is on the more positive
aspect of the future. The new technology would reduce the costs as well as time since men hand are no
longer necessary also the accuracy is very high quality because printer receives a file with all coordinates
specified.
At the moment 3D printer is very handy to print out small scale 3D models of the project for purpose of
presentation and better understanding for those without architectural background.
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12. Conclusion
This report is part of 4th semester Architectural Technology and Construction Management bachelor
degree. The purpose of the report is to investigate the future opportunities of 3D printing in the building
construction industry.
The analysis of the problem statement provides answers to satisfying extent to research questions
formulated in the report.
The building construction industry is going through hard time of ineffectiveness regarding to the time,
money and human resources involved in construction industry. The preparation process before actual
construction can take a place is complex with many factors involved. categorized by issues related to
design development activities and coordination aspects.
The main reasons for the delays during construction process are mostly late approval of building design,
contractor work delays and poor communication. 3D printing is a new technology and collision with the
before mentioned building construction industry related problems.
Since even 3D printing struggles in the industry it might be one of the main reason why the new
technology has less attention in construction sector than in any other industry.
There are factors identified that are believed to be critical development of 3D printing within the
industry of construction. The reasons are recognized trough theoretical and empirical data considering
the survey that was done.
The aim of this report was to research current state of 3D printing technology in building industry as
possible future technology to partly solve problems regarding cost, time and resources as well as final
quality and appearance.
It is believed that 3D printer as a tool in building industry would be a good solution but yet questions
regarding building statics and options of materials arise. There is a lots of information available about
savings of using the new technology but very important technical questions are still not solved.
13. Reflection
Writing this report was quite interesting for me to gain more knowledge on the aspect of 3D printing in
the construction sector. I have heard of it in the past and read about but never in a full detail version like
i did in this reasearch. Although, i am alittle dissapointed i couldnt get any interviews from the
companies i emailed. As i was looking forward for it. I could still say that i am still very satisfied with the
end of the this report and the knowledge i have gained.
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Refrences
All refrences from articles, reports, videos and researchs are mentioned below:
https://ramboll.com/media/rgr/new-innovative-design-concept-for-wind-turbine-towers-based-on-3dprint-technology?fbclid=IwAR2ELnp_-qdpcFDLKl7LuEpdIjFHwrtkR5kuMi4ssIJTcyblxrPdVwJ8IrA
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/3d-printing-construction-industry-845342
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/3d-printing-construction-industry-845342
https://3dprint.com/280523/cobods-2020-financial-results-confirm-profitable-growth-for-construction3d-printing/
https://www.hannovermesse.de/en/news/news-articles/danish-researchers-refine-3d-printing-in-theconstruction-industry
http://www.3ders.org/articles/20170711-new-apartment-building-in-denmark-to-make-use-of-3dprinted-concrete-elements.html
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3d-printing-sentiment-index-usa-leads-as-mostadvanced-country-in-3d-printing-300960262.html
https://www.bcg.com/publications/2018/will-3d-printing-remodel-construction-industry
https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/features/3d-printing-in-the-construction-industry/
https://www.sculpteo.com/en/3d-learning-hub/applications-of-3d-printing/construction-andarchitecture/
https://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/archived/realworldresearch/innovation/how-3D-printingcan-make-construction-better.htm
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/05/10/2226249/0/en/3D-Printing-BuildingConstruction-Global-Market-Report-2021-COVID-19-Growth-And-Change-to-2030.html
https://www.grca.org.uk/pdf/congress2015/12%20A%20brief%20introduction%20to%203D%20printing%20technology.pdf
https://www.planradar.com/3d-printing-in-construction/
https://bim360resources.autodesk.com/connect-construct/a-history-of-3d-printing-in-constructionwhat-you-need-to-know
https://www.openpr.com/news/2298627/3d-printing-building-construction-market-revenue-demands
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