How 3D Printing is Revolutionising the Construction Industry
3D printing is one of the most significant technological advancements in the construction industry. Revolutionising the way we design and build, 3D printing technology allows for rapid prototyping and manufacture of building components and even complex structures. The result is more efficient and cost-effective construction methods with the benefit of reduced waste and enhanced sustainability.
3D Printing in Construction Globally
Globally, the market is growing rapidly for 3D printing in construction. Some parts of the world have been faster than others to embrace it. Dubai, for example, set a target back in 2018 for a quarter of all its state-built buildings to be 3D printed by 2025. In the US, the world’s largest 3D printed housing development is underway in Texas, involving a 100-home estate. Meanwhile, Italy, China and the Netherlands have been competing for who can build the longest bridge using 3D printing technology.
3D Printing in Construction in the UK
In the UK, the construction industry has been slower to embrace 3D printing compared to some other nations. However, this is changing. Last year saw the largest printed concrete construction in the UK to date when BAM installed a 3D-printed staircase for a footbridge over the M8 motorway.
Meanwhile, in Accrington, Lancashire, a housing project is underway which is set to become the biggest 3D-printed housing development in Europe. The project is being run by not-for-profit developer, Building for Humanity in partnership with 3D printer supplier Harcourt Technologies. A total of 46 homes are being printed on a town centre site, including a mix of houses and three-storey apartments. The homes are being built for low-income families, homeless people and veterans, with some of them being trained in how to print buildings at a local college.
3D printing in construction is extending innovation beyond bridges and multi-storey buildings. Materials technology company Versarien has been looking into the use of graphene in a host of applications. One of the company’s exciting developments is Cementene which involves a small amount of graphene being added to a concrete mix. This has been found to boost compressive strength and reduce cement content. This year, the company began 3D printing using Cementene, launching 3d printed pods which have a host of applications, including use as garden rooms, offices, studios, gyms and much more.
The benefits of 3D printing in the construction industry
Globally, the construction industry faces a number of challenges, including housing shortages, increased costs, lack of skilled workers, disaster-hit regions, sustainability and the effects of climate change. 3D printing, with its digital and sustainable capabilities, offers potential solutions to many of these challenges.
The process of 3D printing offers huge potential to increase productivity and efficiency within construction. From the start, it offers a high degree of planning reliability which reduces the chance of design errors and worker injuries while requiring low monitoring and coordination efforts which results in significantly reduced construction times and associated costs.
The environmental benefits of 3D printing are another major benefit. As sustainability becomes an ever-growing concern within the construction industry, 3D printing looks to provide the solution. The use of 3D printing technology minimises material use, generates less waste, decreases transportation needs and reduces carbon footprint while using natural, organic and recycled materials.
Although 3D printing is really taking off in construction and revolutionising the industry, there are sure to be many more exciting developments to come as nations and companies look to innovate and compete for the most impressive structures and projects. We look forward to seeing what the future brings.