A guided approach for utilizing concrete robotic 3D printing for the architecture, engineering, and construction industry

Abstract

The emerging field of robotic 3D printing offers practical alternatives to conventional building methods that are currently used in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Robotic 3D printing has many advantages over the conventional construction as it reduces human error, is relatively inexpensive, and opens the door to the creative complex designs while reducing the amount of expertise required to complete the construction process. At present, there is a shortage of resources offering guidance on how to utilize the available technology. Thus, it is often difficult for researchers and practitioners alike to find the right information and make informed decisions relative to their specific applications. In this paper, we provide such a resource by gathering data from previously constructed projects in the form of a categorical study, which paves the way for accessing the most recent information regarding the robotic 3D printing technology of interest. We illustrate the latest methods and techniques used in the field and describe the hardware used. We also use the resulting classification methods to present a decision-making workflow to streamline the process of selecting the most appropriate approach. We also examined and performed a detailed analysis on three case studies of prominent buildings that have been constructed using 3D printing technology. The categorical parameters were selected carefully to form a clear, informative distinction between the buildings. Printing method and motion type were the most important parameters when it comes to robotic 3D printing. A new database was created and demonstrated to elucidate the types of the additive manufacturing that can be used. By analyzing the data, we hope to facilitate the development of new structures as they relate to 3D printing in the AEC industry.