Development of 3D Printed Materials for Rapid Fabrication of Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure to Increase Mobility

Abstract

Advancements in fabrication of manufacturing and medical systems are focusing on using computer-aided fabrication methods, also termed additive manufacturing or 3D printing. In civil engineering, we still rely on traditional methods of construction. Although some researchers and companies have investigated 3D printing of concrete, most have focused on form, not engineering properties. This research project will remedy that by investigating mix design methodologies, new extrusion techniques, and use of large-capacity testing equipment to advance the engineering of 3D printed concrete structures. This project first investigated previous work in this area. Next it studied extrudable and stable (in its fresh state) mix design(s). Finally, the researchers investigated the design of the extruder. This project was an initial investigation, with the ultimate objective of printing components for multi-modal concrete structures, such as pedestrian and bicycle bridges