New sustainably constructed houses are being put to the test to see if they can withstand real-world weather conditions.
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol has successfully mimicked the effects of an earthquake by placing 3D-printed concrete homes on a 50-ton shaking machine.
They were testing their long-term durability, according to a press release, and monitoring any cracking, displacement, and potential failure points.
3D-printing commercial and residential structures has become "a rapidly emerging technology in the construction industry due to its potential to support rapid, resilient, affordable, and sustainable buildings," the press release said.
And even though concrete is one of the most durable building materials, the new homes still need to undergo stress testing because they have unique properties and nontraditional geometries due to the 3D-printing process.
"Insights from this study will help identify design parameters that optimise seismic performance, such as layer bonding strategies and reinforcement integration," said Dr. Raffaele De Risi, a lead researcher on the project, per the press release.
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"These findings will be essential for engineers, architects, and policymakers exploring the future of earthquake-resistant constructions."
We are just beginning to see the future of construction with 3D printing, as the technology is likely to only improve and gain popularity. There's a need for quick and affordable housing all over the world, and automation like this makes it possible.
People are already living in 3D-printed homes, choosing them because they're more cost-effective and eco-friendly than traditional builds and produce less waste. Some styles can even be built in just 24 hours.
This efficiency means that they could be a solution for quickly generating housing in the aftermath of natural disasters, as well as emergency shelters and other needed infrastructure.
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"By testing the seismic resilience of 3D-printed concrete for the first time, we're not just exploring the future of construction — we're helping shape a safer, smarter, and more adaptive built environment," Dr. De Risi said.
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