COM^3D-CREATE - Advanced mechanical models and computational methods for large-scale 3D printing of innovative concrete structureS
Abstract:
The research project (acronym: COM^3D-CREATE), aims at bridging the theoretical and methodological advances in the field of computational mechanics with the challenges offered by large-scale additive manufacturing processes applied to the design and optimization of innovative concrete structures for building engineering.
The goal is to tailor innovative computational methods that allow to enhance the design and improve the analysis of novel structural systems, such as new-concept walls and shells, which can be realized by means of large-scale 3D concrete printing technologies, also starting from recycled stone and concrete wastes derived from the construction industry. Indeed, while 3D printing has proved to be a ground breaking technology in many fields, it has just begun to push its way into the construction industry, where it enables the production of very complex structures at much lower costs, paving the way to zero-waste construction and reduced material consumptions. Hence, the need for computational design and analysis tools capable of exploiting the endless possibilities in terms of freedom of shape offered by additive manufacturing to structural engineering is urgently felt. To fulfil this goal, it is necessary to move away from traditional box-like building shapes by exploring innovative designs, which encompass functionally graded, bio-inspired and artistic designs, as well as to enable a formal linkage between structural engineering and architecture. In the process, this project also promotes the recycling of waste primary and secondary raw materials from the construction industry, fostering the realization of the concept of circular economy.
In this context, the COM^3D-CREATE project aims at
The goal is to tailor innovative computational methods that allow to enhance the design and improve the analysis of novel structural systems, such as new-concept walls and shells, which can be realized by means of large-scale 3D concrete printing technologies, also starting from recycled stone and concrete wastes derived from the construction industry. Indeed, while 3D printing has proved to be a ground breaking technology in many fields, it has just begun to push its way into the construction industry, where it enables the production of very complex structures at much lower costs, paving the way to zero-waste construction and reduced material consumptions. Hence, the need for computational design and analysis tools capable of exploiting the endless possibilities in terms of freedom of shape offered by additive manufacturing to structural engineering is urgently felt. To fulfil this goal, it is necessary to move away from traditional box-like building shapes by exploring innovative designs, which encompass functionally graded, bio-inspired and artistic designs, as well as to enable a formal linkage between structural engineering and architecture. In the process, this project also promotes the recycling of waste primary and secondary raw materials from the construction industry, fostering the realization of the concept of circular economy.
In this context, the COM^3D-CREATE project aims at
- developing new constitutive and failure models for 3D printed concrete material, in both fresh and hardened state, by means of advanced homogenization and multiscale approaches;
- devising specific topology optimization techniques, allowing the design of 3D printed concrete structural components with optimized mechanical performances, accounting for the nonlinearity and anisotropy of the material deposited during the process, also in the presence of stress-constraints and in a multi-physics framework, in which thermal performances are optimized as well;
- proposing suitable nonlinear finite element analysis and limit analysis procedures for the assessment of the mechanical response of 3D printed concrete structures; (iv) developing a fully integrated computational platform for the simulation of the mechanical response of 3D-printed concrete structures in all the stages of the design and production process.
At the core of the COM^3D-CREATE project, the general vision is substantiated in the multifaceted target of providing mathematical models, computational methods, design and optimization strategies for large-scale 3D printable concrete structures.
Dettagli progetto:
Referente scientifico: Chiozzi Andrea
Fonte di finanziamento: Bando PRIN 2022
Data di avvio: 28/09/2023
Data di fine: 28/09/2025
Contributo MUR: 68.181 €
Partner:
- Politecnico di FERRARA (capofila)
- Università degli Studi di ROMA "Tor Vergata"
- Politecnico di MILANO