Executive Summary : | Objective: Construction Industry accounts for around 6% of world GDP which is expected to grow manifold in next decade due to increased urbanization. However, the construction process is still largely dependent of traditional knowledge and established work procedure with focused mechanization of individual activities. There is industrial revolution termed as Construction 4.0 which will transform construction industry towards 4th industrial revolution. Construction 4.0 is largely technological intervention for automation of whole construction approach by 3D printing structures by virtue of additive manufacturing and their life cycle assessment saving energy, achieving speed and quality of construction. Additive Manufacturing (AM) is an appropriate name to describe the technologies that build 3D objects by adding layer-upon-layer of material, whether the material is plastic, metal, concrete. Mortar and concrete are primary construction materials. The proposal is focused to develop 3D printer for additive construction of room/building in a scaled down model with optimized mix of mortar/concrete. Summary: As the construction sector plays an important role in any country's economy. According to World Economic Forum report on Future Scenarios and Implications for the Industry (March 2018), the construction industry currently accounts for about 6% of the world GDP and employs more than 100 million people. Further, the construction industry consumes large portion of raw materials produced around the world, using for example 50% of the worldwide steel production, and is accountable for 30% of the world greenhouse gas emissions. Also, rapid urbanization pushes the need for increased affordable houses, public transportation and utility infrastructure. Increasing demand, stress for fast and sustainable construction is paving way for automation and mechanization of construction industry which in turn is achievable by additive manufacturing using large 3D printers. 3D printers provide us freedom to address complexities of designs, shapes and give freedom to architects along with speed and quality of construction. Worldwide approx. 30 research groups are focusing to develop technology to print complete building structures. Herein, it is proposed to develop indigenous technology for printing building segments and scaled down building model in laboratory environment including material mix optimization. |