Researchers use 3D printing to develop reinforced concrete beams made of recycled plastic

China3D printingNet May 28th, a team of researchers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) developed3D printingAlternatives to replace reinforced concrete beams made of recycled plastic.
Although very strong, reinforced concrete beams are also heavy because they contain a lot of metal. However, moving reinforced concrete beams is usually very difficult and requires a lot of manpower.
In order to solve these problems, the researchers designed and obtained patented3D printingPlastic beams can be assembled like Lego bricks and concrete can be poured on-site. Its weight is 80% lighter than traditional reinforced concrete or metal beams.

Professor José Ramón Albiol of UPV’s School of Advanced Architectural Engineering and Technology (ETSIE) said: “Our goal is to propose an alternative to the current reinforced concrete structure. These parts are constructed over the entire length of the house, traditionallyConcreteThe beam requires expensive installation machinery and is difficult to transport. “


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The plastic beam can replace reinforced concrete” alt=”
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3D printingThe plastic beam can replace reinforced concrete. Photos taken via UPV.

Inspired by human bones3D printingPlastic block

UPV team proceeded3D printingPlastic blocks, these plastic blocks can be sewn together to form beams to replace traditional reinforced concrete or metal beams.In order to significantly reduce the weight compared with such beams, the researchers analyzed the internal polymer contour structure of human bones.3D printingThe block was modeled.

Alveolar bone structure is a typical alveolar structure commonly seen in the bones and ends of bones. It is composed of a spongy layer with a spongy trabecular frame and a thick and dense outer layer.Researchers in their3D printingThis geometry is replicated in the block to give it strength and rigidity, while making the part as light as possible.
The blocks are also printed using recycled plastics as raw materials to improve the sustainability of the construction process.
“This is a honeycomb structure that can reduce the plastic material used, thereby reducing its weight, thereby maintaining the rigidity of the structure,” Albiol said. “This is what we have transferred to these revolutionary beams, especially on the contours. This is a very intelligent natural system, and its replication in these beams gives them low structural weight and very high mechanical properties. “

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3D printingBlocks are inspired by the geometry of human bones. Photos taken via UPV.

Lego brick method

The UPV team has been developing its3D printingBeam, and applied for a patent for the system in October 2020.
In addition to the weight reduction benefits of printing beam parts on plastic, the main novelty of the researchers’ system lies in its modular function, that is,3D printingThe blocks are assembled together on site to form longitudinal beams, and then set in place with a layer of concrete.

As a result, there is no need for large trucks and cranes to transport and install the beams, thereby saving labor and material time and costs.
José Luis Bonet of UPV University College of Concrete Science and Technology (ICITECH) said: “The system also eliminates the need for expensive formwork, allowing you to work without reducing traffic in the infrastructure you are using. In addition, the solution reduces The required labor and auxiliary resources save a lot of time and cost.”
And, use3D printingThis means that the entire beam can be manufactured and assembled on-site at any location, and the beam can be customized according to the needs of each project when needed.




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The blocks can be installed together like Lego bricks and installed on site” alt=”
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The blocks can be installed together like Lego bricks and installed on site” width=”550″ height=”366″ />


3D printingThe blocks can be installed together like Lego bricks and installed on site. Photos taken via UPV.

Concrete3D printingProgress

In recent years, the construction sector has increasingly used3D printingThe advantages to provide enhanced material functions, shorten manufacturing time and costs, and reduce the department’s carbon footprint.In October last year, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley developed a3D printingThe polymer octagonal lattice is incorporated into the concrete structure as a new method of reinforcement. They were able to reduce the concrete content in the mixture by about 33%, making the overall weight of the structure lighter while still maintaining its load-bearing capacity.

Elsewhere, researchers at ETH Zurich have used large-scale FDM 3D printingAnd casting method to design “egg shell” concrete3D printingprocess. This method allowed the team to produce complex concrete structures in a more material-efficient way.

Recently, scientists from Swinburne University of Technology and Hebei University of Science and Technology set out to improve the sustainability of the industry by reusing construction waste in 3D printable concrete.

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