C3PRO (Concrete 3D Printed Reinforced Objects) - Additive manufacturing of reinforced, resource-efficient concrete components subjected to bending stress
Brief description of the project:
The research project aims to develop the basis for the widespread use of additively manufactured, reinforced concrete components in the Austrian construction industry. It will address both materials science and engineering issues and promote integration into digital construction processes. A central aspect is the identification of application potentials, in particular through the investigation of automated manufacturing processes for precast components in reinforced concrete construction. In addition, calculation and design bases for 3D-printed components are being developed in order to evaluate their load-bearing behavior from a structural and practical construction perspective. The development of new strategies for integrating reinforcement into additive manufacturing processes is central to this. In addition, a digital framework is being developed that combines production processes and static calculations in an integrative workflow. Finally, a sustainability assessment is carried out in which the environmental balance of 3D-printed concrete is analyzed and resource-saving concrete formulations are developed.
Economic significance/potential for exploitation:
The research project on additive manufacturing of reinforced concrete components addresses key challenges facing the Austrian construction industry, such as a shortage of skilled workers, rising costs, and sustainability requirements. With a turnover of €67.4 billion (2022), the industry is under pressure from high material and labor costs as well as regulatory changes. Automation offers great potential here to increase efficiency and ensure competitiveness.
The project aims to promote the industrial application of additively manufactured concrete components by reducing labor costs, increasing productivity, and improving manufacturing quality. Resource-efficient manufacturing reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates economic advantages. In addition, digitalization is opening up new career opportunities in the construction industry.
Close cooperation with industry and research ensures practical implementation. The development of guidelines for additive concrete production strengthens long-term implementation. The project stands out thanks to its holistic view of the process chain (“file-to-factory”), automated reinforcement concepts, and optimized resource utilization, thus contributing to the digitalization and sustainability of the construction industry.
Project management
- TU Wien – Institut für Tragkonstruktionen, Forschungsbereich Stahlbeton- und Massivbau
List of other project and cooperation partners:
- Österreichische Bautechnikvereinigung
- Hochschule Campus Wien - Forschungszentrum Bauen und Gestalten
- ASFINAG, AVI Alpenländische Veredelungs-Industrie GmbH, BCR Betontechnik GmbH, Concrete 3D, DataB, Sedlak Bau & Immobilien, Fiber Elements GmbH, OBERNDORFER Betonfertigteile, Gmundner Fertigteile, Holcim, IBBS ZT-GmbH, Kalczyk & Kreihansel Ziviltechniker GmbH, KOB ZT Ges.m.b.H., Stadt Wien, Makkon GmbH, ÖBB, Ingenieure Öhlinger+Partner ZT GmbH, PERI, STRABAG, STS FERTIGTEILE GMBH, Swietelsky AG, Umdasch Group, uniQum, VCE Vienna Consulting Engineers ZT GmbH, Verband Österreichischer Betonfertigteilwerke, Vereinigung der Österreichischen Zementindustrie, Wiener Linien
Contact address
Dr. Tobias Huber
Karlsplatz 13/E212-2, 1040 Wien
+43 1 58801 21242