Additive Manufacturing In Construction
3D Concrete Printing
The 3D printing of concrete eliminates the need for formwork and molds, allows the design and fabrication of complex shapes and geometric features, and enables incorporation of additional functionality into a structure. As a result, it has potential to substantially reduce construction time and labor cost, enhance safety and reliability, and minimize the environmental footprint of the industry. This research aims to explore the design, fabrication, and implementation of 3D printed energy-efficient and multifunctional structural systems.
Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing
Multi-material printing is particular attractive for 3D concrete printing where challenges are often fundamentally material-related. This research focus on the creation of energy-efficient, eco-friendly, and resilient building envelopes using multi-material additive manufacturing.
Advanced Materials for 3D Concrete Printing
This research explores the design, fabrication, and implementation of 3D printable advanced cementitious composites for the design of sustainable structural systems. The emphasis is on the use of natural fibers and nanomaterials in the cement matrix and the characterization of rhelogical and hardened properties of the printed materials.
Topology Optimization for 3D Concrete Printing
To achieve high performance and cost-effective designs, topology optimization can be exploited and linked with additive manufacturing of concrete structures. This research explores topology optimization approaches that consider the constraints of the fabrication process and material properties in the optimization to achieve optimal design of large-scale engineering structures.
Related Projects
3D printable natural fiber reinforced composites
Project Title: Achieving energy efficient and sustainable buildings through natural fiber reinforced composite walls
Project Duration: 01/01/2019 – 09/01/2019
Sponsor: University of Virginia Committee on Sustainability
A novel meso-scale multi-materials 3D printing technique for future architectural structures
Project Title: Cement-based Active Additive Manufacturing: A novel meso-scale multi-materials 3D printing technique for future architectural structures
Project Duration: 09/15/2018 – 09/14/2019
Sponsor: 3 Cavaliers Award, Office of Vice President for Research at the University of Virginia