Adaptable Tool-Path Planning Method for 3D Concrete Printing Based on the Mapping Method

Abstract

Abstract3D concrete printing (3DCP) has been successfully and widely applied in the fields of civil structure, infrastructure, architectural decoration etc.,due to its unique advantages of automation and flexibility, and has shown great potential for development. One of the key steps in the execution of 3DCP is the tool-path planning process. However, 3DCP typically utilize the flowable composite materials which changes with time, and it is easy to induce interface joints or filling defects due to uneven path distribution when constructing the irregular-shaped construction. To solve the problem of printing path planning in 3DCP, this paper proposes tool-path planning based on mapping method, which integrates the rheology and necessary continuity of concrete materials into the printing process parameters, improves the mutual adaptability of printing process and material characteristics, improves the continuity of printing, the compactness of filling, and then ensures the stability and durability of printing structure.

Design and System Considerations for Construction-Scale Concrete Additive Manufacturing in Remote Environments via Robotic Arm Deposition

“…This challenge has been widely acknowledged by the research community. Although traditional polymer-based material extrusion AM may incorporate numerous start and stop moves when printing the infill and shells of a given cross-sectional area, concrete printing requires a toolpath that eliminates these travel moves and instead prints one continuous bead throughout a layer (see e.g., Nguyen-Van et al, 30 Wan et al, 31 and Weng et al 32 ). The robotic system presented in this article relies on a similar approach.…”