MINIMASS: a new approach for low-carbon, low-cost 3D printed concrete beams

The construction industry is beset by two well-known problems – high carbon footprint and low productivity growth. 3D printing of concrete offers the potential for massive improvements in both those areas, if real structural uses can be found. This conference paper describes a new and innovative design method for creating 3D printed concrete beams, using external post-tensioning to provide bending and shear capacity. The results offer reductions of up to 70% of the embodied carbon compared to a similarly performing precast concrete beam, with the potential for up to 50% reduction in material costs. A series of physical prototypes have been built, with large-scale load testing carried out at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Copenhagen, the results of which are presented herein.