Additive Manufacture of Buildings

Introduction

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is the process of generating products layer upon layer from a 3D computer-aided-design model, offering unparalleled freedom of form. Whilst terms like 3D printing and rapid prototyping are often used as a byword for AM, they are actually subsets of AM [1]. AM was made possible by the transition to automated digitally-driven processes and has increased flexibility in a large number of production environments. AM is commonly used in manufacturing, with industries such as Aerospace and Automotive benefitting greatly from the enhanced freedom that AM provides.  Advances in AM technology have spiked interest in alternative uses, such as is in the construction of buildings.  An increasing number of construction companies are investing in AM technology, touting benefits to architectural freedom, construction speed and cost of production as the main drivers [2]. Current AM building projects include bioplastic building components, large sandstone structures and fully automated gantry systems.

Task

Your task is to research and evaluate existing additive construction methods and technologies and design a justifiable building solution that offers an improvement over traditional construction in an area of your choosing. Your team should develop a conceptual design for the system, which is capable of printing a building of at least 2 stories, directly from a design model, with minimal human intervention on-site.  Your solution may be a construction system that you sell in the form of a service, or a completed building design that you will market in the form of a product. In both instances your solution must be robust and carefully constructed as you will be pitching for investment at the end of the week. It is important that you are clear on the benefit you are providing and how you will market your product or service.

Considerations

·      Investment

You will require investment from a third-party, do you plan to license the technology to construction companies or will you be constructing the buildings yourself? How long will it take for the investor to see a return?

·      Reputation

You should consider how you will gain trust in your construction technique. People may be apprehensive about buying an additively manufactured home.

·      Cost Benefit Analysis

You should highlight the benefits that your system provides and justify any trade-offs that have been made.

·      Future Development

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is commonly used in construction, is your method compatible with BIM?

·      Services

You should consider the installation of services such as water, gas and electric. Will you leave space for these to be installed afterwards or will they be installed during construction?

·      Environment

You should demonstrate that your building is able to survive in the climate it is designed for.

·      Sustainability

Sustainability should be considered not only in terms of energy and material usage during construction but also as a function of product life. Will your building last as long as a traditional home? If not, do the comparative savings in other areas negate this issue?

    ·      Inclusivity

 How will this technology improve designs to be more inclusive? How is the technology accessible to be used by a variety of staff, suppliers and/or clients?

References

[1]   General Electric, “What is Additive Manufacturing.” GE Additive. https://www.ge.com/additive/additive-manufacturing (Accessed: October 10, 2023).

[2]   Arup, “Design method for critical structural steel elements.” Arup. https://www.arup.com/projects/additive-manufacturing (Accessed: October 10, 2023).