Standardisation framework for metal additive manufacturing in construction

Wire-arc directed energy deposition (DED-Arc), also known as wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM), brings about unprecedented opportunities in the construction sector to improve material efficiency, enhance automation and reduce embodied carbon. To address the current standardisation gap, a normative framework for the use of DED-Arc in construction is proposed in this paper. The current standardisation landscape for additive manufacturing and steel construction is firstly introduced. The standardisation requirements for DED-Arc in construction, encompassing qualification, structural design and execution, are outlined. A quality classification system for DED-Arc construction products and qualification requirements for the manufacturing process and finished parts are required. Regarding the structural design, modifications and additional rules to the Eurocode 3 are needed for DED-Arc structural components, in terms of design material and geometric properties, design methods, reliability and design for long-term and extreme actions. Finally, additional requirements for the execution of steel structures featuring DED-Arc are discussed. • Standardisation landscape for metal additive manufacturing and steel construction is introduced. • Standardisation requirements for DED-Arc related to qualification, structural design and execution are outlined. • Quality classification and requirements for manufacturing and inspection are needed for DED-Arc construction products. • A new part of Eurocode 3 for design of steel structures featuring DED-Arc is proposed. • Requirements for execution of DED-Arc structural components are discussed.