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The emerging construction technique could be used to quickly provide resilient, affordable and sustainable buildings, according to researchers at the University of Bristol.
But while traditional concrete designs have well-established seismic behaviour, 3D-printed concrete introduces variables including new material properties and non-traditional geometries. “Assessing how these factors influence structural integrity under earthquake loading is vital,” a research announcement said.
“This experiment aims to fill the knowledge gap surrounding the dynamic response of 3D-printed units, particularly how they perform under recorded and simulated seismic events,” said project leads Professor Anastasios Sextos and Dr Raffaele De Risi. “By doing so, the team aim to identify strengths, weaknesses and failure mechanisms specific to this construction method.”
The team created the almost full-scale 3D-printed concrete unit using a robotic additive manufacturing process, ensuring controlled material deposition and geometry. It was instrumented with accelerometers, displacement sensors and other gauges to capture a “comprehensive set” of dynamic response data, the announcement said.
The experiment was conducted using the UK’s largest shaking table, capable of holding 50 tonnes and simulating ground motions representative of real earthquake events. The unit was first subjected to a series of increasing intensity ground movements, starting with low-intensity vibrations and progressing to stronger, potentially damaging inputs. Each test sequence was carefully monitored and recorded, allowing for real-time assessment of the unit's behaviour, including cracking, displacement and potential failure points.
The collected data will be used to evaluate the structural resilience of the 3D-printed unit, compare performance to traditional construction methods and validate computational models that predict seismic behaviour.
“Insights from this study will help identify design parameters that optimise seismic performance, such as layer bonding strategies and reinforcement integration,” said Dr De Risi.
“Ultimately, we hope to validate whether 3D-printed concrete can meet current safety standards for seismic applications and provide a foundation for developing building codes that include additive manufacturing technologies.
“These findings will be essential for engineers, architects and policymakers exploring the future of earthquake-resistant constructions.”
The research could also potentially “revolutionise” earthquake-resistant constructions through adoption of 3D printing technologies, the announcement said. Practical applications could include rapid, cost-effective construction of homes, emergency shelters and infrastructure with customised designs that meet specific seismic requirements.
The study could also influence development of new building codes and guidelines that incorporate 3D printing, enabling broader industry adoption while ensuring public safety.
“By testing the seismic resilience of 3D-printed concrete for the first time, we're not just exploring the future of construction – we're helping shape a safer, smarter and more adaptive built environment,” said Dr De Risi.
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