Brief
Learn about the University of Michigan’s Shell Wall system, a new type of 3D concrete printing technology that creates walls that are 72% lighter than conventional ones. By using computer models to create the most efficient distribution of material, the system offers greater architectural flexibility and reduces the amount of concrete needed. Discover how this innovative technology is set to revolutionize construction.
Insight
3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) technology is widely known for providing an efficient approach to building construction. A new variant of 3DCP has been developed, which reportedly offers even greater benefits, resulting in walls that are 72% lighter than traditional counterparts.
At most 3DCP building sites, a robotically operated extruder nozzle moves in straight lines parallel to the ground, building molds for walls one horizontal layer at a time. After the molds’ hollow centers have been filled with rebar and more concrete, the walls are completed.
However, according to Dr. Mania Aghaei Meibodi and colleagues at the University of Michigan’s DART Laboratory (Digital Architecture Research Technologies), these set-ups use more concrete than necessary and limit buildings’ architectural features to simple shapes. The university’s Shell Wall system is intended to address these issues.
The process begins with creating a computer model of the structure based on the most efficient material distribution required to provide the necessary strength in each part of the building. Therefore, no materials are included where they aren’t necessary.
Guided by this model, the print nozzle builds up layered wall elements consisting of curved vertical structural ribs with thinner curved membranes spanning the spaces between them. The concrete layers are deposited in a non-planar fashion, which means they don’t necessarily run parallel to the ground.
Vertical sections of rebar are inserted inside the hollow ribs, while thermal insulation is placed inside the hollow membranes as each element is built up.
Small-scale tests indicate that Shell Wall elements offer a 72% reduction in weight while providing the same structural strength compared to same-size traditional walls built from solid concrete. Full-scale tests of the technology at actual construction sites are now being planned.
With this new technology, it is possible to create buildings with more complex and intricate designs without sacrificing structural integrity. The Shell Wall system is a promising innovation that has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry.
Highlight:
- A new type of 3DCP is claimed to be even better, resulting in walls that are 72% lighter than traditional walls.
- The system uses computer modeling to create the most efficient distribution of material needed for each part of the building, resulting in no unnecessary materials.
- The print nozzle builds up layered wall elements consisting of curved vertical structural ribs with thinner curved membranes spanning the spaces between them.
- The layers of concrete are deposited in a non-planar fashion and vertical sections of rebar are inserted inside the hollow ribs, while thermal insulation is placed inside the hollow membranes.
Recent Comments