World’s first: Giant shaking table tests if 3D-printed homes can survive earthquakes

A potentially revolutionizing initiative, 3D printing could make the construction industry more foolproof moving forward.

The world’s first experiment to ensure 3D printed homes are earthquake proof

After creating a “quasi-real-scale” 3D printed concrete unit, the University of Bristol put it to the test at the laboratory.

Scientists and builders used a high-end shaking table, possibly the UK’s largest, capable of withstanding 55 tons to simulate the conditions of an earthquake.

They shook the unit in a series of increasingly intense degrees. Beginning with low intensity vibrations, the crew gradually progressed to stronger tests that could potentially cause harm to the home. The team closely monitored each test sequence and even recorded it to assess the unit’s response in real life. Where would cracking or displacement occur?

In an honest assessment of the 3D printed home’s weaknesses, the University of Bristol wanted to compare 3D construction to traditional models. From here, they might be able to validate computational models that predict seismic behavior.

Project lead Dr De Risi said in a press release, “Insights from this study will help identify design parameters that optimise seismic performance, such as layer bonding strategies and reinforcement integration.”

“Ultimately, we hope to validate whether 3D-printed concrete can meet current safety standards for seismic applications and provide a foundation for developing building codes that include additive manufacturing technologies.”

“These findings will be essential for engineers, architects, and policymakers exploring the future of earthquake-resistant constructions.”

3D printing just got safer

As 3D-printed homes experience significant growth, the construction industry is rapidly adapting to meet and support this new building method and ensure that these structures are safe.

“Traditional concrete design has well-established seismic behavior,” the press release explained, “but 3D printed concrete introduces new variables such as layered deposition, unique material properties, and non-traditional geometries.”

Not all buildings in the US are required to be earthquake-proof, but they are designed to meet seismic standards, according to Scientific American. 

Even if the homes built under the standard conditions aren’t as safe as they could be, the new technology has propelled renewed interest in implementing that aspect of the process at the very beginning.

In line with the desire to provide affordable homes, a manager at the laboratory in the UK told the BBC that earthquake safety is a problem worldwide, affecting millions of people who might not have the financial means to protect their homes. The construction industry has taken on that responsibility to build a more sustainable future in 3D.