Field Considerations for Deploying Additive Construction (2020-07)¶

While the additive construction printing systems and applications have grown in size, number and types, they represent and benefit specific needs of individual programs or business interests. Work of start-up companies, construction firms, and research institutions has focused on applications for the commercial construction industry. The development of printing systems are directly connected to the application. Each application requires a different range of mobility, from stationary machines to machines capable of being setup in minutes instead of hours. These printers are based on pre-existing equipment types including gantry, robotic arm, cable bot, and jib crane. Alternatively, this technology has clear applications for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) and military deployed operations. Unique requirements of these operations include the necessity for using highly deployable mobile printers with local or indigenous materials. The US Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) has developed collapsible deployable printing systems, trained military personnel to independently operate these systems, and performed demonstrations using locally available materials with applicable reinforcing methods. The results of this work not only applies to military construction, but to the construction industry. Through larger demonstrations, CERL has started to confront the struggles that the industry faces. These challenges include continuous equipment operation and maintenance cycles, the development of printable mixes with variable local materials, the development of printing systems that can accommodate variations in materials, and applicable construction methods.