3D printing of curved concrete surfaces using Adaptable Membrane Formwork

Jian Hui Lim, Yiwei Weng (Corresponding Author), Quang Cuong Pham (Corresponding Author)

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

57 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, we study the printing of non-developable curved panels using existing 3D concrete printing technology combined with a novel Adaptable Membrane Formwork. The Adaptable Membrane Formwork consists of a grid of threaded rods, whose heights are adjustable and covered by a membrane sheet. Using this method, we were able to 3D-print, for the first time, Saddle and Dome-shaped concrete surfaces, which are non-developable. The printed specimens had good print quality and geometric fidelity, as shown by quantitative assessment. The proposed method thus demonstrates great potential for the 3D printing of freeform, curved and architectural facades.

Original languageEnglish
Article number117075
JournalConstruction and Building Materials
Volume232
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jan 2020
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 3D concrete printing
  • Adaptable Membrane Formwork
  • Facade
  • Non-developable surfaces

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science

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