Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is one of the fastest additive manufacturing techniques in terms of deposition volume, making it particularly well-suited for the construction industry due to its ability to produce large components efficiently.
However, the significant energy input required in WAAM poses a major challenge, which becomes even more pronounced when fabricating hollow parts—a common feature in
The development of additive manufacturing processes and the available materials have been driven by different application sectors. The construction industry is relatively a newer sector to adopt additive manufacturing solutions. Being a highly regulated industry, the construction sector requires large components with steel grades compatible with the existing ones used. Directed energy deposition (DED) processes may be the key to
Numerical simulations play a crucial role in predicting the mechanical behavior of materials and structures by enabling the analysis of complex stress, strain, and deformation patterns under various conditions. A validated numerical model ensures the accuracy and reliability of predictions, helping to optimize design, reduce material waste, and prevent structural failures. As part of futuristic and sustainable construction, we have
A primary goal of the ConstructAdd project is to promote resource-efficient construction, with feedstock recycling being a key approach to achieving high material efficiency and reducing waste. To this end, powders composed of both virgin and recycled raw materials were prepared and compared, revealing negligible differences in their performance.
Read More
Hybrid manufacturing, i.e., depositing additively manufactured (AM) steel onto rolled steel components, can enhance construction by combining the precision and flexibility of AM with the strength and reliability of conventional materials. This approach allows for tailored reinforcement, complex geometries, and efficient material usage, improving structural performance and reducing waste. As a significant portion of ConstructAdd Project, we are trying to
Porosity in additively manufactured metallic components poses a significant risk to the mechanical behavior of fabricated components. In our recent publication, Alessandro Menghini has presented nearly uniform density components comprising of a rolled section and a DED section with considerable construction applications. For more details please refer to our published manuscript “https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137744”.
Team #ConstructAdd visited Cimolai SpA’s industrial facilities in Pordenone during the 5th coordination meeting to explore opportunities for expanding the use of additive manufacturing (AM) in the large steel structures industry. The visit offered valuable insights that will contribute to shaping the future of structural engineering.
Read More
Our PhD candidate, Saber Zolfaghari, is presenting his research on a novel 3D-printed joint connector for tubular and I-beam sections at the 5th Coordination Meeting in Pordenone. Leveraging the potential of WAAM and supported by FEM-based structural performance analysis, the designed joints aim to minimize stress concentration areas while achieving significant mass reduction.
– The Politecnico di Milano is leading an international consortium dedicated to improving resource efficiency in the construction and automotive sectors through metal 3D printing.
– It is hoped that additive manufacturing technology will help usher in a new era of increased customisation and optimisation and allow companies to reduce waste and energy consumption during the steel manufacturing process.
According
IMDEA Materials Institute will host the 2nd coordination meeting of EU-RFCS ConstructAdd project in Madrid, 9 and 10 February 2022.
Read moreTwo research grants are available to work in the ConstructAdd consortium!
You will be working with #laser processing to enable the digital and green transition of #construction and #automotive industries.
▣ Work place: Politecnico di Milano, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Italy
▣ 1 year, renewable up to 4 years
▣ ≈ €1450 net salary
▣ Teaching assistance may be possible
Read more8-9 September 2022: the project kick-off took place in Milan, Italy
Read more