The construction sector has a major impact environmental, energy y economicThe EU is the world's largest producer of energy, exploiting 50% of raw materials, consuming 40% of the total energy consumed and generating 50% of waste. It is also the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 39% of the total.
Therefore, the construction sector has a vital role to play in developing technologies that help minimise environmental impact, energy consumption and CO2 footprint reduction.
Among the new technologies that have emerged, the most important is the cement-based 3D printing, which consists of depositing layer upon layer to form a three-dimensional object. Recent studies have shown that the 3D printing system allows for reduce execution time by up to 70%. In addition, the generation of waste stands out, with up to 60% less waste on site. Greater control over the quantities used on site results in a smaller surplus in the purchase of materials, reducing costs.
The 3D printing is in the early stages compared to traditional methods, with the materials development and process optimisation as the main routes to optimisation. Then, new materials have to be developed that meet the technical requirements of 3D printing, such as rheology, extrudability or buildability, as well as new advanced systems for 3D printing.
Despite the improvement offered by the 3D printing environmentallyThe main material used for 3D printing is traditional Portland cement, which stands out for its good mechanical properties, cost and durability. However, its extraction is associated with high CO2 emissions, particulate emissions, water pollution and the generation of waste and noise.
The project AUTOCONwhich began to be implemented in October 2023, has the following objectives objective research and development of innovative technologies for 3D printing in concrete. Addressing material and process limitations, developing sustainable functional cement-base materials and improving current systems for admixture, mixing and finishing of the extruded mix. The implementation of this project is being carried out in collaboration with a consortium of companies characterised by a multidisciplinary approach and national scope. The total budget of the project is €1,050,155.
CTCON will contribute to the project by working together with the consortium companies, Eduardo Torroja Institute of Construction Sciences, Montalbán y Rodríguez, AYMAR, AIDIMME y BE MORE 3DThe project will focus on the development of new cement-based materials for 3D printing, which will improve the additive manufacturing process.
