Researchers at ETH Zurich in Switzerland have developed a robotic 3D printing process using high-velocity clay deposits to build walls quickly and sustainably.
From Superinnovators 17/09/24
Entire houses can be constructed using clay or excavated earth, materials that are affordable, abundant, and sustainable.
However, traditional building methods for earth-based materials are labour-intensive, slow, and costly.
Researchers at ETH have now developed a novel 3D printing process known as “impact printing” to address these challenges, with the results shared in a video released this week.
In this technique, a robot rapidly drops/shoots material from above, constructing walls without needing cement or pauses for material solidification.
Upon impact, the material bonds together using only minimal additives, creating a solid structure.
Currently, the process uses a mixture of excavated materials, silt, and clay, which is then deposited at up to 10 meters per second.
The researchers say this method can be applied to construct one- to two-storey walls and column structures.
According to the team, they are also developing a robotic method for reinforcement, expanding the types of structures that can be built.
The custom material mix design contains 75% waste products, making it an environmentally friendly and low-carbon option.
ETH researchers believe this technique could reduce dependency on skilled labour, speed up construction, and compete with modern building materials.
More info
https://gramaziokohler.arch.ethz.ch/web/e/forschung/451.html
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