How Missouri S&T researchers work to advance 3D-printable concrete construction

In the near future, companies may print concrete high-rise buildings.

Researchers at Missouri University of Science & Technology in Rolla now are working on projects that may lead to perfection of the technology.

"I think when we master the technology, there's nothing to prevent that," said Mohamed ElGawady, interim director of the Center for Infrastructure and Engineering Studies at S&T.

The grant projects are for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. One project, totaling $320,000, began in April 2022 and will last two years. The other $360,000 project is through Florida International University as part of a larger Corps of Engineers grant. It was awarded in fall 2022 and will continue until August 2025.

The 3D printed concrete can be used for bridges, military barracks, blast shields and other uses, ElGawady said.

"You can do many different shapes of construction with 3D printing," ElGawady said.

The process holds a lot of promise for the future of the construction industry, he said.

There are printed concrete houses in China and some other locations now, he said. NASA also is considering 3D printed concrete for space missions.

3D printed concrete also can be useful in natural disasters, he said.

"A main objective of our projects is developing a high-strength, high-performance, environmentally friendly material," he said.

The concrete S&T is developing will use only fly ash, a byproduct of burned coal, with no cement, ElGawady said.

The fly ash is through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, ElGawady said.

Another researcher on the projects is Kamal Khayat, S&T vice chancellor for research and innovation.

“Many other industries have embraced advanced manufacturing and use of robotics for some time,” Khayat said in a news release. “3D printing technology and the development of special sensors and use of AI can expand construction automation, which can lead to greater safety on construction sites and reduce labor-intensive and time-consuming construction operations.”

Roger McKinney is the Tribune's education reporter. You can reach him at rmckinney@columbiatribune.com or 473-815-1719. He's on Twitter at @rmckinney9.