Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a construction technique called impact printing , which could transform the construction industry by enabling the rapid creation of structures using clay instead of concrete.
The use of clay as a sustainable alternative to concrete
The technique is based on dispersing small quantities of a formula of ” clay, silt and an industrial waste product ” at speeds of up to 10 metres per second. These ” blobs ” of material stick together upon impact, forming walls, columns and other architectural structures, without the need for drying times.
This technology completely dispenses with the use of cement, a material whose production is responsible for one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the world. Instead, impact printing uses an eco-friendly clay compound, which is more sustainable, and reduces the amount of waste generated during construction.
Additionally, the continuous nature of the printing process allows structures to be built more quickly than 3D printing methods with concrete , where it is necessary to pause the process so that the layers of material can harden.
Impact printing and the future of construction
On the other hand, the impact printing technique has only been used to create simple buildings. However, researchers are developing robotic solutions and advanced software that will allow them to build more complex structures. They are also exploring the integration of structural elements into the printed material.
The samples of the prints with terrestrial materials. Source: ETH Zurich
This new technology could usher in a new era in construction, where homes are built faster, more cheaply and in an environmentally friendly way. With the addition of the university-developed HEAP autonomous excavator , the team plans to scale up this technique for larger projects.
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Source and photo: ETH Zurich
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