Large-scale digital concrete construction – CONPrint3D concept for on-site, monolithic 3D-printing

Abstract The construction industry faces severe problems resulting from low productivity and increasing shortages of skilled labor. The purposeful digitalization and automation of all relevant stages, from design and planning to the actual construction process appears to be the only feasible solution to master these urgent challenges. Additive concrete construction has a high potential to be a key part of the solution. In the first place, technologies are of interest which would enable large-scale, on-site manufacturing of concrete structures in accordance with the demands of contemporary architectural and structural design. The article at hand evaluates the state-of-the-art with respect to these requirements and presents the CONPrint3D concept for on-site, monolithic 3D-printing as developed at the TU Dresden. This concept is driven by the demands and boundary conditions of construction practice. It complies with common architectural norms, valid design codes, existing concrete classes and typical economic constraints. Furthermore, it targets the use of existing construction machinery to the highest possible extent. The interdisciplinary team of authors illuminates various perspectives on the new technology: those of mechanical engineering, concrete technology, data management, and construction management. Some representative results of completed work in these fields are presented as well.