High-Resolution Additive Formwork for Building-Scale Concrete Panels

Abstract

The paper discusses the technical developments in using 3D printed reusable formworks for the production of high-resolution building-scale concrete panels. The research looks at innovation in the production of concrete elements and extends current design possibilities with economically viable moulds. The relation occurring between the presented manufacturing technique, namely Fused Deposition Modelling 3D printing, and diverse designed morphologies is studied, assessing limits and opportunities of the application through an experimental setup. The first experiment analyzes a set of thermoplastics to identify suitable materials for the specific application in concrete formworks. The second experiment tests a consistent workflow for the digital modelling and optimization, 3D printing and concrete casting of a series of unique panels that challenge the formal possibilities of concrete manufacturing. The outcomes are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, in terms of formal possibilities offered by the approach, material behaviour, ease of manufacturing, and achievable precision, discussed for relevant applications in architectural envelopes.