3D Printed Materials Of Biological Origin For Use In Construction

3D Printed Bio-based Materials for Application in Construction

General Information

3D Printed Bio-based Materials for Application in Construction

Financing programs, name of the fund: ERDF

Project implementation time: 01.04.2020 – 31.03.2023

Project location: Institute of Materials and Structures (Riga Technical University)

Project Manager: Maris Sinka

ResearchGate

The objective of the research titled “3D printed bio-based materials for application in the construction industry” is “to develop materials using mineral binders and bio-based fillers for the use in 3D printing applications for construction”.

The main activities include:

Selection and preparation of the raw materials and printing;
Development of mineral binders for 3D printing applications;
Development of printable bio-based materials, their demonstration, testing;
Evaluation of the sustainability of the newly developed materials and methods using a life cycle assessment (LCA).

The purpose of the research application, the planned activities and results fully correspond to the field of specialization “Smart materials, technologies and engineering systems” defined by the Smart Specialization Strategy of Latvia (RIS3).

Research application activities include: scientific research, publication of results in scientific articles, participation in conferences, study and networking trips, knowledge transfer, presentation of results to professional organizations, public awareness events, and mobility trips to leading European research institutions.

European Regional Development Fund within the Activity 1.1.1.2 “Post-doctoral Research Aid” of the Specific Aid Objective 1.1.1 “To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure” of the Operational Program “Growth and Employment” (No.1.1.1.2/VIAA/3/19/394)

3D Concrete Printing Scientific Laboratory

A “3D concrete printing scientific laboratory” has been established, where it will be possible to successfully implement this project in the future.

Riga Technical University (RTU) in partnership with the largest manufacturer of dry and ready-to-use building mixes in the Baltic region SIA Sakret establishes a scientific laboratory for 3D concrete printing, laying the foundations for the use of innovative technologies in construction in the Baltics. The laboratory will provide knowledge and infrastructure to students, researchers, start-ups and various construction-related industries.

Project Results

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The project has several deliverables that will be published as soon as all the information contained in them is published or patented.

Conferences

The results of the project were presented at the following conferences

06-09.07.2020. “Digital Concrete 2020, 2nd RILEM International Conference on Concrete and Digital Fabrication”

with a poster “Bio based materials for application in 3D printing”

23-25.09.2020. “Advanced Construction and Architecture 2020”

with a presentation titled “Fast setting binders for application in 3D printing of bio-based building materials”

16-18.06.2021. The 4th International Conference on “Bio-Based Building Materials”

with an abstract and online presentation “3D Printing of Bio-based Building Materials”

28-30.09.2022. The 5th International Conference “Innovative Materials, Structures and Technologies”

with an article “Hempcrete – CO2 Neutral Wall Solutions for 3D Printing”

26-28.06.2022. “Digital Concrete 2022, 3rd RILEM International Conference on Concrete and Digital Fabrication”

with an abstract “Hempcrete – CO2 neutral wall solutions for 3D printing”

Developed Methods

Descriptions of developed methods and know-how

The expected results of the research application are original scientific articles, descriptions of the developed methods, descriptions of know-how as well as the results of the research will be reported at international conferences.