3D Printing for Construction with Alternative Materials (Digital Innovations in Architecture, Engineering and Construction)

This book explores the latest achievements and design possibilities that 3D printing for construction (DPC) can offer, the alternative materials to natural aggregates or cement and even the 4th dimension that is already starting in this area. DPC materiality is starting to be explored in architecture as a new design language to reach not only outrageous forms but also to leverage the building process and its performance. Like Corbusier explored the concrete potentiality of concrete to release the façade and the plan, 3DPC is allowing to straighten design freedom with building performance. Industry and Scientific research are offering design professionals possibilities to start a new design movement. New paths are also starting to be tracked to reduce even more this building system footprint, stalking alternatives to Portland cement (PC). Today is already possible to build with the soil from the buildings’ ground. Leftovers from various industries are opening possibilities to decrease the PC and natural aggregates rate in printable mortars. From the industry, salt is becoming a possibility to be used in 3DPC. Sugar can ashes are improving the mortar performance reducing adjuvants. Construction and demolition waste can substitute natural aggregates and even offer new textures and color possibilities. Finally, to close this edition, the latest steps on the use of Phase Change Materials in additive manufacturing are collected to raise awareness to the next step of AM, the 4D printing.

This book explores the latest achievements and design possibilities that 3D printing for construction (DPC) can offer, the alternative materials to natural aggregates or cement and even the 4th dimension that is already starting in this area. DPC materiality is starting to be explored in architecture as a new design language to reach not only outrageous forms but also to leverage the building process and its performance. Like Corbusier explored the concrete potentiality of concrete to release the façade and the plan, 3DPC is allowing to straighten design freedom with building performance. Industry and Scientific research are offering design professionals possibilities to start a new design movement. New paths are also starting to be tracked to reduce even more this building system footprint, stalking alternatives to Portland cement (PC). Today is already possible to build with the soil from the buildings’ ground. Leftovers from various industries are opening possibilities to decrease the PC and natural aggregates rate in printable mortars. From the industry, salt is becoming a possibility to be used in 3DPC. Sugar can ashes are improving the mortar performance reducing adjuvants. Construction and demolition waste can substitute natural aggregates and even offer new textures and color possibilities. Finally, to close this edition, the latest steps on the use of Phase Change Materials in additive manufacturing are collected to raise awareness to the next step of AM, the 4D printing.