Print Tilt Lift – Concrete 3D Printing for Precast Assemblies

This research focuses on the development of novel approaches for concrete 3D printing with engineered cementitious composites to radically rethink the design and fabrication of building envelope systems. Through an integrated approach to matrix/reinforcement design, process control, tooling, and computationally driven fabrication systems, high performance building envelopes will be prototyped, tested, and assessed at full-scale to explore design constraints and priorities. Moving away from rectilinear formworks for flat panels, this project investigates precast units that have variable sectional qualities and complex surface geometries. Rather than printing vertically as is typical with most 3D printing processes, the orientation is horizontal, with the finished panel tilted and lifted after hardening. This technique reconsiders typical processes for prefabrication by using advanced concrete printing technology to create panel systems whose geometries respond to specific localized performance requirements.