A 3D Printed Ready-Mixed Concrete Power Distribution Substation: Materials and Construction Technology

Materials (Basel). 2019 May 10;12(9):1540. doi: 10.3390/ma12091540.

Abstract

Currently, 3D concrete printing technology is not yet able to print ready-mixed concrete with coarse aggregates. Based on an independently developed 3D printing construction equipment system and optimized concrete materials, a 3D concrete printer that can directly print ready-mixed concrete is developed. This paper introduces the whole 3D printing process for one power distribution substation in detail, including the printing equipment, key software, concrete preparation, printing process, and construction inspection. This investigation will provide valuable design and construction experience for the future construction of 3D concrete printing.

Keywords: 3D printing; coarse aggregate; construction; equipment system; ready-mixed concrete.