OVERVIEW OF GLOBAL DESIGN EXPERIENCE AND A DESIGN OF A MOBILE CONSTRUCTION 3D PRINTER

Abstract

Introduction: The paper presents a brief overview of current construction 3D printing possibilities and a detailed analysis of a design of a mobile construction 3D printer. The authors analyze advantages, disadvantages and development prospects of the construction method. Based on the analyzed data, they describe the development of a conceptual design for such a printer characterized by the structure built-up of basic modules with a length of 1 m, the possibility of printing in the field without preliminary site preparation, the use of construction wastes as a concrete mix aggregate. The authors highlight that the design can be used both in the system of logistical support of the Russian Federation Armed Forces and for civil purposes to construct various facilities. They conclude that it is reasonable to perform further studies in this area and describe prospects of project development. Methods: In the course of the study, the authors compared and analyzed specifications of construction 3D printers to refine the specifications of the design developed. Results: Based on the analysis and comparison of structures and application fields of analogs, a conceptual design of a mobile construction 3D printer for the Russian Federation Armed Forces was proposed. Discussion: A prototype in scale 1:5 was presented at the International Military-Technical Forum “ARMY-2019” (Popov, 2019).