Brief
Discover how the BioMatters project by the University of Michigan’s DART Lab has utilised industrial sawdust to produce biodegradable formwork, bringing a sustainable solution to concrete construction and wood waste.
Insight
Researchers from the University of Michigan’s Digital Architecture Research and Technologies (DART) Lab have developed a revolutionary approach to mitigate wood waste in concrete construction. By repurposing industrial sawdust, the team led by DART director Mania Aghaei Meibodi have produced a biodegradable material for formwork.
The innovative wood-based material was created under the BioMatters project at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. The substance was composed by blending sawdust with biopolymers and additives. This material could be moulded or 3D-printed into a variety of forms, demonstrating its versatility in practical applications.
To showcase its potential, the team 3D-printed a 1.8-metre structural column using this material. After the concrete dried, the sawdust formwork was peeled away, unveiling the completed column. The formwork was then reused multiple times by adding water to re-establish the viscosity level required for 3D printing.
Globally, approximately 15 billion trees are felled annually, leading to an enormous amount of sawdust waste. Much of this sawdust is deposited into landfills or incinerated, causing significant environmental impact. The innovative use of sawdust in this project offers an effective solution to minimise this waste and enhance sustainability in the construction industry.
Aside from being a sustainable alternative, this biodegradable formwork also helps to reduce construction costs. Traditional formwork, often built from wood, contributes up to 40% of concrete construction expenses and is usually discarded post-use. The DART Lab’s sawdust-based material not only minimises waste but also offers cost-effective options for the construction industry.
The BioMatters team is keen to explore the wider applications of their material. Potential uses include crafting small decorative items, furniture, and even structural elements like walls, doors, and windows.
This breakthrough paves the way for more sustainable and cost-effective construction practices, marking an important step towards a more eco-friendly future in construction. The BioMatters project signifies a significant move t
Highlight
- By repurposing industrial sawdust, the team led by DART director Mania Aghaei Meibodi have produced a biodegradable material for formwork.
- The substance was composed by blending sawdust with biopolymers and additives. This material could be moulded or 3D-printed into a variety of forms, demonstrating its versatility in practical applications.
- Globally, approximately 15 billion trees are felled annually, leading to an enormous amount of sawdust waste.
- The DART Lab’s sawdust-based material not only minimises waste but also offers cost-effective options for the construction industry.
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