| | April 20218USAGE OF 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION IS NEW OR IT MAY BE THE FIRST TIME THAT IT IS BEING USED BY A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY. HOW IS IT A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION? 3D printing is predominantly used in various manufacturing industries to print rapid prototypes, complex shapes and small batch production using special polymers, metal alloys, etc. 3D printing with concrete is, however, a completely different ball game that requires comprehensive knowledge and control of the 3Ms (Material, Methodology and Methods) for successful large-scale & speedy operations and the perfect synergy of the 3Ms and their seamless integration to the system.In manufacturing industries, 3D printing is executed in a controlled environment, where factors like ambient temperature, moisture, humidity, dust, etc., are tightly controlled. As most construction projects are executed in an open to sky environment, these variables are less in control that require setting up of appropriate systems & processes for best results. WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN ITS USAGE IN CONSTRUCTION? 3D concrete mix design requires paradoxical combination of concrete properties to print successfully. The properties of 3D printable concrete are not straightforward as it involves various mandatories like maintaining sufficient `flowability' till the concrete reaches the printer head. Once the concrete layer is printed, the structure must immediately gain sufficient hardness to retain its intended shape. There is the requirement to maintain green concrete status to ensure bonding between the layers and yet gain sufficient hardening to take the load of subsequent layers. After various lab experiments and field trials, a perfect concrete mix design was arrived at that adequately met all the above properties. 3D PRINTING TO USHER CONSTRUCTION TO THE NEXT LEVEL By M V Satish, Whole-time Director & Senior Executive Vice President (Buildings), L&T. VANTAGE POINTM V Satish, Whole-time Director & Senior Executive Vice President
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