Toolpath-based design for 3D concrete printing of carbon-efficient architectural structures

The paper presents a data-informed toolpath-based design approach for 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) the fabrication of architectural horizontal structures in one continuous printing process. 3DCP has inherent advantages resulting from shaping concrete without formwork and placing material only where functionally required. However, to date, few examples applications efficient solutions through exist at construction scale. Building on technique, presented work introduces novel reducing amount employed structural beams high-resolution stress-based optimisation their layout longitudinal section. an innovative workflow which provides flexibility by implementing set geometric routines tailored extrusion process, integrates Finite Element (FE) analysis multiple stages development, definition path, layer speed variation, informed placement reinforcement bars. was verified design, testing three beam designs progressively developed methods. strength-to-weight ratio shows impact proposed workflow, increases performance almost times between full lightest tested beam. potential saving opens more carbon-efficient environmental production processes structures.