One of the great points that still seem to be pending in 3D printing is precisely that this technology can be used in the world of construction in a much more fluid, natural and above all efficient way. By way of detail, tell you that, although it is already used, the truth is that you can only build buildings with very few floors and of a certain size, hence its use has not been implemented on a massive scale.
This could change drastically if we take into account the new methodology that has been developed by a group of engineers from the Swinburne University (Australia). The is based on using 3D printing of concrete using for them cement and geopolymer binder, a new technology that experts say has the potential to change the way we use concrete in construction.
Thanks to this new methodology, concrete can be used in 3D printing in a much more natural way.
Taking into account the statements made by the teacher sanjayan, Director of the Center and Professor of Concrete Structures at Swinburne University:
We have successfully made the first roads in this area using separately Portland cement and geopolymers as binders in 3D printing machines.
Engineering and architectural designers are currently limited to rectilinear designs due to the requirements of formwork systems.
3D printing will provide the freedom to produce a structural component independent of the shape. It has the potential to make a big change in quality control in construction automation, as machines are better at performing repetitive tasks with high precision.
By choosing the correct particle size distributions and binder deposition methods, we have shown how to overcome various technical hurdles.
We have also shown - he continues - that geopolymers produced from industrial by-products are a sustainable alternative to the Portland cement system and are more suitable for the 3D printing process, as well as that post-processing methods can increase the strengths.