Züblin, a German construction firm, has reached a significant milestone in the realm of construction engineering. The company has announced the completion of the world’s first single 3D printed building featuring load-bearing concrete walls, marking a significant advancement in the field. The feat was accomplished in collaboration with Strabag, a leading name in the construction industry, and showcases the immense potential of additive manufacturing technology in revolutionizing traditional building techniques.
Located in Stuttgart, Germany, the newly constructed building serves as Strabag Baumaschinentechnik International’s latest warehouse facility. What sets this project apart is the utilization of Putzmeister’s KARLOS printer, which boasts an impressive mast boom with a reach of 26 meters. This printer enables precise layer-by-layer concrete deposition based on digital blueprints, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and structural integrity.
One of the key challenges in 3D concrete printing has been scalability, particularly for large-scale projects. However, Züblin’s strategic use of the KARLOS printer demonstrates a huge leap forward in addressing this issue. By employing a rectangular cementitious paste delivery method, the printer creates squared walls capable of supporting the weight of the entire building—a feat previously thought unattainable with traditional 3D printing techniques.
Furthermore, Züblin’s approach extends beyond technological innovation to encompass sustainability and environmental responsibility. Through the integration of digital planning via Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the use of CO2-reduced concrete, the company is not only revolutionizing construction processes but also minimizing its ecological footprint.
Source: constructionbriefing.com