Form Optimization Applications of 3D Concrete Printing: From Bridge to Protective Structures

In construction, 3D concrete printing (3DCP) is emerging as a technology that has the potential to create a significant impact on the state of practice and overcome several limitations of conventional construction processes. 3DCP focuses on delivery systems that build a structure using layer deposition. 3DCP technology is, however, still in a nascent stage in construction-related applications. Techniques for printing free-standing structures are not sufficiently developed for large- scale applications. In this paper, the concept of form-specific structural system optimization that broadly follows ‘material-follows-force’ is used to arrive at a shape that reduces weight while minimizing the requirement of conventional reinforcement. This concept of form optimization is demonstrated with the design of two structures: (a) a bridge that is off-site printed; and (b) an on-site printed protective structure against blast and ballistic threat.