Blog 1 – Applications of additive manufacturing across various construction sectors

With the drastic improvement in computer technology, robotics, and materials science, many manufacturing methods that were initially used in various other disciplines have begun being applied to the construction industry. Improvements in Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and subsequent coordination with machines and robots have allowed for the growth of additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing (also commonly referred to as “3D Printing”) describes a process in which a structure is created by repeated particle deposition in a prescribed shape. Early limitations with this technology revolved around the materials used: typically plastics that lacked the strengths to be considered a feasible option for construction applications. In response, a road-mapping process organized by researchers at Penn State. As a result of this summit, the following four “integrated design” goals were identified to marry user needs to applications: part and feedstock testing, process-structure-property relationships, process analytics, and next-generation additive manufacturing materials and processes [1].

With these targets in mind, a focused research push has led to the growth in viable applications for additive manufacturing across a wide variety of applications. One such application is to house low income and refugee populations in additive-manufactured concrete structures. Showcased in the 2018 South by Southwest technology festival. This concept included coordination with AutoCAD Architecture designs, which were able to be interpreted by robotic components that facilitated the actual construction. For the 386 square foot model debuted, material costs were a mere $10,000 and the home was able to be completed in approximately 48 hours [2]. A noteworthy architectural trend has been the inclusion of complex metallic components. Previously, technological limitations caused this to be a time-consuming and costly process, requiring custom formwork and fine craftsmanship. AutoDesk Fusion 360, PowerShape, and PowerMill programs have been able to coordinate with robots not only in the manufacture stage, but also in the installation (welding, grinding, etc.) phase as well (Shown Here) [3]. Armed with this new technologies, designers have not been limited to Earthly applications. As an increasing number of thought experiments have been focused on extraterrestrial colonization, one of the key limitations has been the ability to transport conventional heavy construction material and equipment. Scientists at NASA have recently worked with Autodesk programmers to develop technology that uses lunar regolith (native dust) as the particles for additive construction of structures. [4]

These stories make it clear that the future of construction will most likely be closely tied with the commercial viability of additive manufacturing, coupled with the trajectory of improved BIM technology. These articles only briefly addressed the effect that this will have on the current jobs available in the construction industry, but it is fair to assume that the disruption will be significant.  The implication is that job loss can be justified by the tremendous savings in construction cost. Additionally, the optimistic approach is that new jobs will be created as a result of these technologies, but I find it difficult to believe that the transition from manual to automated labor will occur without the loss of work for countless of individuals. Given the entrenched nature of labor unions in the USA and elsewhere, political and social issues may well dictate the adoption of these technologies more than any other factor.

[1] “A Roadmap for the next Generation of Additive Manufacturing Materials and Processes.” Kurzweil, www.kurzweilai.net/a-roadmap-for-the-next-generation-of-additive-manufacturing-materials-and-processes.

[2] Lee, Dave. “3D-Printed Homes Turn Sludge into Shelter.” BBC News, BBC, 15 Mar. 2018, www.bbc.com/news/technology-43411581.

[3] Frearson, Amy. “Robotic Construction Is the Future.” Dezeen, 9 May 2016, www.dezeen.com/2015/10/23/robotic-construction-3d-printing-future-wolf-d-prix-interview/.

[4] Wong, Kenneth. “Autodesk and NASA Explore 3D Printing for Mars.” Digital Engineering, 7 Aug. 2018, www.digitalengineering247.com/article/autodesk-nasa-explores-3d-printing-mars/. 
  
Comments:

Christian,
Your post brought up some very interesting consequences of new manufacturing techniques in the construction field. While researching additive manufacturing for my blog post, I found myself enamored by all of the positive impacts that these would usher in (less waste, newer forms, etc.) but never took into account the challenges in analyzing these new structures. Because previous courses have shown that the processes by which materials are formed are integral to their properties, I would imagine that additive-manufactured components will perform differently than traditional steel members as well. I expect that this will be a focus of future graduate research as this will be necessary before full-scale implementation can occur.

Gabe,

One of the takeaways of your articles is that future devices and processes will integrate AI in many shapes and sizes. From computer chips to smartphone applications, applications can be diverse because the need for efficiency (which can be remedied using AI) is a common denominator among not only the construction industry but really in all areas in life. The last article you referenced is perhaps the most crucial in my mind, in that it weighs the cost in terms of jobs versus the gains brought about using this technology. This is a reminder that often technological improvements are dictated more by social and political constructs than by the hardware/software itself.