Preliminary experiment for precast concrete module printing utilizing for modular construction

Abstract

The construction industry is the most crucial economic sector worldwide, accounting for approximately 9% to 15% of the GDP of most countries. However, it is currently facing limitations due to various issues, including low productivity. As an alternative, robotic automated construction technology is emerging. Precast concrete (PC) module printing is a method for producing precast concrete modules for application in prefab construction. Unlike the additive manufacturing method of 3D concrete printing, PC module printing does not feature the moineau pump for extrusion, and flowable concrete is used for printing. Therefore, the shape stability of the output is directly related to the quality of the concrete structure, hence it is essential to control the process parameters in the printing procedure. In this study, a lab-scale printing device for the PC module printing process was developed, and the various conditions of printing were conducted by controlling the parameters of waiting time, printing speed, and vibration compaction. The height of the output samples was evaluated to determine appropriate variables for optimization.