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or convex shapes. This makes concrete braiding of the steel reinforcement nets is The last house will be printed by an on-
buildings and constructions with heavy. These activities are not necessary site conrete printer. This step is essential
completely new forms possible. for 3D-printed concrete. for this technology. Printed elements
Another new option is the printing of can be put on the right spot without
different types, qualities and colours of Innovation cumbersome road transports. Also it
concrete, all in one integrated product. The first aim of the project is to build speeds up the construction process.
This means that a complete wall can be five great houses that are comfortable to
printed with all necessary functionalities. live in and will have happy occupants. The next homes
Such a wall has to be reinforced with But behind that there is the ambition to This house is part of a programme of
fibers of wire that insulate, and on the boost 3D concrete printing science and five houses that will be built one after
outside must be kept dirt-repellent, and technology such that printed housing, the other, so that each new construction
on the inside a layer that ensures pleasant with all its advantages, will soon be a can be optimised by learning from the
acoustics. Further, it contains the required reality that is widely adopted. previous ones. dw
recesses and internal drainage pipes of The building elements of the first house
waterproof concrete. This makes the will all be printed by the concrete printer www.3dprintedhouse.nl/en/
construction process much faster. at Eindhoven University of Technology.
Another advantage is the possibility to
process individual wishes per individual
customer. After all, a different version
entails few costs.
The 3D printing of concrete creates
the possibility to put sensors directly
in the right place of the construction.
Think of wireless sensors that measure
temperature, sensor-controlled lighting,
or that are used for security. These can
be incorporated directly into the printing
process, instead of afterwards. That saves
time and money.
Concrete printing also has advantages
for professionals. Traditional processing
of concrete is heavy and demanding work.
The vibrations of poured concrete and the

dw • Issue 242 29