At the University of New Mexico, a team of engineers is pushing the boundaries of modern construction with the development of a flexible concrete specifically designed for 3D printing. By designing a material capable of withstanding varied stresses while being easy to print, these researchers are opening new perspectives for architecture and infrastructure. This innovative concrete could not only transform our way of building, but also address the growing challenges related to infrastructure maintenance.
Engineers from the University of New Mexico have recently patented a flexible concrete, specially designed for 3D printing. This innovative material aims to overcome the challenges of traditional construction, which is often costly and dangerous due to the use of heavy machinery. By developing an ultra-ductile self-reinforced concrete, the researchers seek to improve the durability of infrastructures while reducing maintenance needs. Furthermore, this development could transform the construction landscape, paving the way for automated techniques and increased resilience to natural disasters.
Researchers from the Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at the University of New Mexico (UNM) have filed a patent for an innovative flexible concrete. Thanks to a blend of polymeric fibers and a 3D printing process, this innovation could transform modern construction. Designed to overcome reinforcement issues, this substance also meets the growing demand for sustainable structures, while improving maintenance costs of infrastructures.
The challenges of traditional construction
Classic construction often relies on the handling of heavy machinery and rigid materials such as steel or wood. This mode of construction proves to be dangerous and costly, creating obstacles that can be resolved with this new approach. Indeed, traditional concrete tends to exhibit great brittleness, especially when subjected to tensions or seismic forces, which raises the need for a more resistant alternative.
A promising future with 3D printing
The concept of 3D printing, combined with this flexible concrete, offers exciting prospects for the construction sector. By enabling the realization of more complex structures, this technique could reduce assembly times while creating buildings that are more adaptable to environmental conditions. This blend could be the key to designing infrastructures that not only withstand natural disasters but also require less maintenance throughout their lifecycle.
