In this quarterly IBT/ABC-UTC Research Seminar, Atorod Azizinamini, Ph.D., P.E., Principal Investigator; and Ali Javed, Ph.D. candidate, present work related to 3D printing using Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) under the ABC-UTC research projects entitled Robotics and Automation in ABC Projects: Exploratory Phase [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU05]; Robotic Bridge Construction: Experimental Phase I [ABC-UTC-2016-C3-FIU06]; and Optimization of Advanced Cementitious Material for Bridge Deck Overlays and Upgrade, Including Shotcrete [ABC-UTC-2016-C2-FIU04] conducted at Florida International University in Miami.

Documents:

Description: Major research projects are being conducted at FIU to develop technologies that can automate construction processes. These technologies include additive manufacturing in various forms. Additive manufacturing is a generic term that is equivalent to 3D printing or additive construction. The thrust of the completed and ongoing research projects is to 3D print structural elements using open-source Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC). The various forms of 3D printing include layer by layer, section printing, and the pneumatic spray method that is the same as shotcrete. This research seminar provides an overview of completed and ongoing research projects in the area of 3D printing. These research projects view 3D printing as a tool to automate the construction of new bridge elements or the retrofitting of existing poor bridge elements. The presentation also includes a description of the UHPC shell concept that is an excellent platform for the application of 3D printing.

Presenters:

Presentation Graphics:

Figure 1. Vertical Printer for 3D Printing of Hollow UHPC Column

Figure 2. Testing Setup of 3D Printed Hollow UHPC Column

Figure 3. 3D Oriented UHPC Shell Formwork for Short Span Bridges