Duration: 2023-20225
Funders: SmartBuilt Environment

This project is led by RISE (Research Institute of Sweden) funded by the Swedish research council Formas. We participate through the Centre for Construction Robotics to develop design tools and strategies for realtime feedback through machine vision.

The project proposes an automated 3DC P (3D Concrete Printing) process for the manufacture of precast concrete elements. The interdisciplinary process includes materials science, design, robotics, supply chain and sustainability analysis and resulted in the development of an innovative process for the production of precast concrete elements.

A sustainable printable fibre-reinforced concrete is to be developed and investigated with respect to rheological, mechanical and hardening properties. The 3D printing process involves designing prefabricated elements, developing a robotic arm, printing nozzle and then printing concrete through an extrusion print head mounted on a robotic arm.

The structural properties of 3D printed materials are assessed using experiments and the finite element method (FEM). Real test cases of applications (for building and waste management) shall be printed as examples to demonstrate the potential of the technology. In addition, this work proposes a printing method that evaluates dynamically positioned objects during printing and various sensors to monitor the printing process. Furthermore, the supply chain, business models and sustainability models are developed in relation to digital transformation in the prefabrication industry. This comprehensive project has the potential to digitally steer the Swedish construction sector towards a smarter and more sustainable future