Technological Aspects of using 3D Printing Software in Construction

Abstract

The relevance of introducing additive technologies of 3D printing in construction is to decrease the technological cycle of construction, and minimize expenditure and material costs, while reducing the duration of the development planning process and execution, eliminating inaccuracies and defects, as well as optimizing and automate the process. The technological aspect of 3D printing lies in the optimal selection of parameters based on the created 3D model using effective software. The purpose of the study is to determine the quality indicators of bricks obtained by 3D printing from special concrete. The approach to investigating this matter is rooted in ascertaining the compressive strength of concrete through non-invasive testing techniques, gauging the density of concrete using measurement methods, and validating the efficacy of integrating 3D printing technologies in construction by the method of comparative analysis. The effectiveness of introducing additive technologies of 3D printing was proven drawing upon quality indicators of concrete obtained on a 3D printer which meets all the requirements necessary for its implementation in the construction field. The selected characteristics of concrete compressive strength are fundamental to the basics of selecting a brand of concrete to be utilized in construction. The selected software demonstrated the capacity to generate flawless 3D designs. The result of the study shows a significant reduction in the number of workers involved in the construction process by 38–45%, depending on the chosen method of using 3D printing; a decrease of construction time by 33–42% when printing individual elements, blocks used in production, and by 61–72% when using a printer directly on the construction site; reduction of raw materials costs by 14–28%; as well as reduction of construction downtime by 25%. The results obtained indicate the need to develop and enhance progressive additive technologies for 3D printing in construction.