Experimental Study of 3D Printable Cob Mixtures (2022-02)¶

Search for a more environmentally friendly building material has identified earthen construction in recent decades. The current literature focusses mostly on reimplementing historical natural materials into typical construction processes. This study focuses on establishing a 3D printable cob mixture. Unlike adobe that requires molding and the use of bricks in construction, cob does not require any specific form of construction. Its vernacular identity makes it suitable for 3D printing construction. This study focuses on testing and analyzing cob mixtures to establish a 3D printable mixture. The goal of this paper is to provide a new mixture that is printable, buildable, and has the required properties, while utilizing the same materials that were used in traditional cob construction. This paper discusses the process of transitioning a typical cob mixture into a 3D printable version. The mixture’s workability and buildability, the effect of different pump systems on the printed structure’s quality, and the mixture’s fresh and hardened properties are some factors that help direct the process.