With the increasing appeal of 3D printed houses, researchers at the University of Bristol in Britain, they wanted to evaluate the resistance of these constructions to seismic vibrations. Three -dimensional printing, as a rapidly developing technology, enables the possible manufacture of economic and sustainable constructions. However, this new method raises new scientific challenges.

According to Interesting Engineering, researchers at the Sofsi Interaction Laboratory (SOFSI) of the University of Bristol recently conducted an experiment to evaluate the structural integrity of three-dimensional printed houses.

The world’s first seismic strength test for 3D printed houses

After making a unit of 3D printed concrete in an almost real size, the scientists submitted it to experimental tests in the laboratory.

Using one of the strongest UK seismic platforms – capable of withstanding a weight of up to 55 tonnes – simulated seismic vibrations in increasing intensity. Starting with low vibrations, the researchers examined scenarios in which the houses could suffer serious damage. Each test was recorded and analyzed in detail. The purpose of the study was to identify the vulnerabilities of the construction and to make a comparison between 3D printed houses and traditional buildings. Through this process, the group wanted to confirm the accuracy of computational models that predict seismic behavior.

“The findings will help us identify critical design parameters that optimize seismic performance, such as laying strategies.” The head of the study said in a press release, Dr. Rafael de Risi.

“Our ultimate goal is to confirm whether the 3D printed concrete responds to existing safety standards for construction in areas with seismic activity and to form the basis for establishing building regulations that incorporate prosthetic technologies,” he added.

These findings will be crucial to engineers, architects and policy makers who are investigating the future of seismic resistant constructions.

Security in 3D prints becomes priority

As the houses built with 3D printing are significant, the construction industry is quickly adapted to respond and support this new building method and to ensure that these constructions are safe.

As stated in the press release, “traditional concrete design has a well -documented seismic behavior, but the 3D printed concrete introduces new parameters, such as layered deposition, special material characteristics and non -traditional geometries”.

As one of the BBC managers said, “Seismic security is a global problem that affects millions of people without financial ability to protect their homes. The construction industry has taken on this responsibility to build a more viable future in 3D »