CHENNAI: The IIT-Madras is taking first baby steps in 3D printing of concrete and will be introducing the revolutionary concept to the Indian construction industry by holding a global core group meeting on Tuesday, in which representatives from the United States, China, Germany and France will be participating.
The 3D printing of concrete is seen as the new phenomenon and the next big thing in construction industry that would call all the shorts a few years down the line. It would enable the architects and builders to embark on the most complex construction designs with ease, which have so far been impossible to achieve with conventional construction. Also, the researchers claim 3D printing is substantially quick. How about building 80 square metre houses in three days.
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT-Madras has already built a prototype of 3D printer for input materials such as polymer and metals, and will soon be kick-starting their research in developing an indigenous 3D printer for concrete. Also, IIT-M has a strong team pioneering in concrete materials led by professors like Koshy Varghese and Ravindra Gettu of Department of Civil Engineering.