On-Site Printing of Structural Components Using Shotcrete-Based 3D Printing Technology
By H. Ogura, S. Yamamoto, R. Kikuchi and H. Abe
Concrete Journal, Vol.63, No.7, Jul. 2025
- Synopsis
- We have developed a 3D printing technology that forms three-dimensional shapes by spraying cementitious material from a nozzle using compressed air. Unlike the conventional material extrusion method commonly used in 3D concrete printing, this technology is characterized by its ability to spray material not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction while maintaining a distance between the nozzle and the object being formed. Taking advantage of this characteristic, we succeeded in manufacturing structural components with performance equal to or exceeding that of conventional reinforced concrete members by spraying the printing material from around pre-positioned rebar. Furthermore, this technology was applied in an actual project, successfully achieving on-site printing of column members with a height of 2200 mm. This paper presents an overview of the developed technology and reports on an application case of said technology.
- Keywords:
- 3D printing, Shotcrete-based method, On-site printing, Fiber-reinforced mortar, Construction robot, Automation
