The AV Jennings Churchill Fellowship to acquire the new technology for rapid construction of resilient and low-cost houses by 3D printing

The construction industry is amongst the least in terms of digitization. Pieces of evidence in this report show that digital construction is feasible, and it will become part of the future of the construction. Automated 3D printing is one of the promising digital construction techniques which provides freedom of design for architects and can offer sustainable solutions for off-site and on-site construction by reducing material, waste, costs and time. 3D printing can also be used to boost construction in locations that are difficult or dangerous for human access, or in areas with insufficient or expensive skilled labour. This technique can provide solutions for homelessness, as well as fast and resilient accommodation for people affected by natural disasters.  This report aims to demonstrate some of the recent projects and prototypes of using digital construction technologies, in particular, 3D printing. The capabilities and advantages, as well as challenges and gaps, are discussed as part of interviewing experts from several institutions and businesses in Singapore and Europe.  Key findings and recommendations of the Churchill Fellowship are summarized below:  • The range of successful prototypes and projects using digital construction is relatively vast, including, houses, apartments, a façade, pedestrian bridges, a telecommunication pillar, furniture, landscaping and architectural features.  • Digital construction and 3D printing is in its infancy period and requires further R&D to become a routine construction method, but it can offer all the benefits mentioned above when it matures.  • The main challenges include the adoption of the construction materials and processes for digital construction, lack of legislation and building codes, risks of failure in large-scale construction projects and resistance in the adoption of new technologies by the construction industry.  • With all the challenges and risks, a growing number of small and large businesses and institutions are investing in digital construction to benefit from the sustainable competitive advantages of this new technology. The Australian construction industry is lagging in adoption of digital construction compared to the developed countries which can be changed through R&D, collaborative projects, and partnership between research institutes and industries.    Keynote : digital construction, 3D Printing, prefabrication, topology optimisation, rheology, buildability, interlayer bonding, foundation, concrete slab, cantilever, concrete reinforcement, post-tensioned concrete, mortar, concrete durability, drying shrinkage