#3d-printed construction

New Post has been published on http://www.deepgreenfutures.com/2018/11/29/uae-3d-printing/

UAE 3D Printing Critical for Construction

AI, 3D printing, IoT to be critical for UAE’s construction industry

UAE 3D Printing The construction sector is still widely considered a late technology adopter

From Zawya.com by Rohma Sadaqat, Khaleej Times Nov. 26, 2018

UAE – Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D printing and the Internet of Things (IoT) will be critical in transforming the construction industry in the UAE, by improving efficiencies, reducing costs and minimising risks, experts at the Big 5 International Building & Construction Show said.

The 39th edition of the event was officially opened by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry, and will run at the Dubai World Trade Centre until November 29. The event has drawn the participation of over 2,500 global exhibiting companies.

A recent study by Mena Research Partners shows that the GCC construction market recorded a 30 per cent pickup till the fourth quarter of 2017; and, despite the drop in oil prices, the region witnessed $130 billion of completed projects during 2017, versus $100 billion for the full-year in 2016. According to The Big 5’s intelligence partner, BNC Network, over 23,000 construction projects are currently active in the GCC and worth more than $2.3 trillion.

Logging in at 18,000, the urban construction sector has the highest number of projects, with the most significant segment coming from residential, commercial and hospitality developments. With the sector having expanded by 4 per cent in terms of value and 15 per cent in terms of total active projects in the first half of 2018, the outlook for the GCC construction industry remains positive.

This growth has created a fertile landscape for companies in the region to adopt new technologies that will transform the industry.

“Innovation and technology are considered key elements also to realising the UAE Vision 2021. It is therefore of essence for the regional construction sector to embrace innovation and the vast development opportunities offered by technological innovations,” said Josine Heijmans, portfolio director at dmg events. “In a world where innovation and technology are more and more crucial to remain competitive, the construction sector is still widely considered a late technology adopter. Yet, technology has an enormous potential within the sector.”

Rima Semaan, AI technical lead at Microsoft, said that AI is already adopted by many companies across the world to improve efficiencies and reduce operating costs.

“Imagine how much more efficient you will be if you have a working AI system in your office,” she said. “You can walk into your office and ask the system about how your project is doing. The AI system will be able to sift through all the data that it has been fed and then give you concise answers about the state of operations. It can tell you if your deliveries are on time, which phases are due for completion and which segments are falling behind when it comes to meeting deadlines. It can also tell you how many workers you have on site and how many you will need in the coming months.”

She also explained that AI technology can help with eliminating project delays, which are extremely expensive for developers. “An AI system will also help you with forecasting your risks because of predictive maintenance. Projects in the past were always silent, but once you connect your site through sensors and an AI system, then you have a holistic approach. You can better manage your assets with drones, image recognition devices, sensors and IoT devices. This will help improve safety for your workers and help expand security on site by initiating alerts in case of emergencies.”

Dominic Wright, co-founder and business development director at Generation 3D, spoke about using 3D printing on construction sites to pour concrete. The process will help to reduce waste and speed up operations on site.

“One of the challenges with adopting such technology involves keeping careful track of external factors such as the weather and climate changes. In addition, there is a large amount of collaboration that will be necessary between developers, providers and various government bodies,” he said.

However, he noted that Dubai is a very forward-thinking city, so it is only a matter of time before such technology is approved and extensively used at sites around the city.

New Post has been published on http://www.deepgreenfutures.com/2018/11/29/3d-printing-replica-heads/

3D-Printing Helps FBI Create Replica Heads of Alcatraz Escape Inmates

FBI 3D prints replicas of decoy heads Alcatraz inmates used in famous 1962 escape

From 3ders.org by Cameron Nov 19, 2018

Criminal forensics teams have rejoiced at the wave of portable 3D scanners and accurate 3D printers hitting the market over the past few years, providing them with unparalleled techniques of scene capturing and replication. Many cases that have remained unsolved for years are getting a fresh look under the metaphorically 3D printed lens. Such is the case with the 1962 escape of Frank Morris, Allen Clayton West, and John and Clarence Anglin from Alcatraz.

On November 15, on Alcatraz Island, FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett presented the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) with 3D printed replicas of the decoy heads used by the escapees to fool the guards into believing they were in their beds asleep and not digging through the wall. While the case is still technically open, the 3D printed replicas won’t be used for investigatory purposes so much as preservation and educational functions. The original decoys were made from cardboard, cement chips, toilet paper, and human hair from the barbershop, and they’re now over 56 years old and starting to fall apart. The GGNRA will be able to display the new replicas as well as invite the many interested researchers of the popular case to come inspect them without worry of damaging the original evidence.

A team from the FBI’s Operational Project Unit went to the GGNRA Park Archives and Records Center to 3D scan the originals. “The FBI’s Lab uses this same technology for the high-resolution scanning of bomb components, firearms, and crime scenes for use in FBI investigations and operations,” said Special Agent Bennett. “We are honored to use this expertise to provide the National Park Service with accurate models of the Alcatraz decoy heads for many generations to come.” After the replicas were 3D printed, they were painted and affixed with human hair just as was done on the originals.

GGNRA Chief Park Ranger David Schifsky was especially appreciative, saying, “These models are a significant contribution to our archives and will help protect the original decoy heads for future generations. They will help us tell the stories of Alcatraz Island to visitors from all around the world.”

The FBI handed the case over to the U.S. Marshals in 1979, and Don O’Keefe of the United States Marshals Service had this to say, “The 1962 escape from the United States Penitentiary at Alcatraz remains one of the most infamous prison escapes of all time. None of the escapees have ever been located, but the United States Marshals Service continues to investigate any and all credible leads. Some may believe that we’re chasing shadows, but our efforts are meant not just to perform due diligence, but to be a warning to other fugitives that U.S. Marshals don’t give up because of the passing of time.”

So let this be a warning to you: if you commit a crime and then later escape federal prison, the FBI and/or U.S. Marshals will 3D print your head and look for you even after you’re in your 80s or more likely dead.

New Post has been published on http://www.deepgreenfutures.com/2018/11/26/3d-printing-moon/

3D Printing on the Moon

Interview: Esa and Lithoz Take Small Steps Toward 3D Printing on the Moon

From 3dprintingindustry.com by Beau Jackson Nov. 22, 2018

3D Printing on the Moon

The European Space Agency (ESA) has made new advances in its quest to 3D print in space using in-situ materials.

In a partnership with Austrian ceramic 3D printing specialist Lithoz, ESA has demonstrated the ability to produce highly detailed spare parts, like screws and gears, from a lunar regolith simulant.

Dr. Advenit Makaya, ESA Advanced Manufacturing Engineer in Materials and Processes, tells 3D Printing Industry what this latest development means for the agency’s wider pursuit of low-gravity fabrication.

3D printed ceramic parts made by Lithoz and ESA from regolith simulant. Photo copyright ESA–G. Porter, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO

One small step for 3D printers…

As discussed in a previous interview with Dr. Makaya, ESA is currently in the midst of an In-situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) project, which involves the investigation of different 3D printing methods using materials native to space, i.e. lunar and martian regolith, as a sustainable feedstock. By doing so, ESA aims to reduce the high cost of sending consumables into space; make deeper exploration possible; and prepare its astronauts with a means of producing anything they require on board stations like the ISS.

Starting small, the agency has already succeeded in 3D printing miniature habitat concept models using an extrusion-based technology.

With Lithoz, ESA has now added lithography-based ceramic manufacturing (LCM) to its regolith fabrication portfolio. The work was undertaken for a particular activity titled, “Conceiving a Lunar Base Using 3D Printing Technologies,” part of the ESA supported URBAN Consortium comprising COMEX, LIQUIFER Systems Group, SONACA Space GmbH and OHB System AG.

“We are therefore interested in mapping and understanding the use of a wide range of additive technologies, to address the manufacturing of every possible items needed for a lunar base, at all scales,” says Dr. Makaya explains, “From the construction infrastructure, to tooling, furniture, clothing and even food.”

The challenges of raw regolith

The key challenge of the Lithoz/ESA Lunar Base collaboration was to prove that Lithoz’s LCM 3D printing technology works with raw regolith simulant material, rather than other, already proven, conventional ceramics. “The regolith simulant was processed by crunching and sieving it to the right particle size, but the composition and mineralogy of the simulant were left as they are,”

“This means that the feedstock does not have a specific composition (i.e. it is not made of a specific type of oxide or nitride), like the ceramics that Lithoz is used to processing and for which they have an established “recipe.” Instead, the regolith simulant is made of a mixture of various minerals.”

The unusual mixture of regolith simulant made the tuning process altogether more complicated. Dr. Makaya adds, “The challenge was to achieve the same level of density and accuracy for this “raw” regolith, compared to what Lithoz can achieve with “conventional” ceramics.

Ceramics make critical parts

Sample parts made using Lithoz LCM are presently no larger than a 5 cent Euro coin, and consist of screws, nuts and bolts that the space crew could use for fixing parts and building new devices. These ceramic fasteners, accordingly, are best suited “for applications where the parts need to withstand very high temperatures, high pressures, corrosive or abrasive environments or where they need to be electrically nonconductive or nonmagnetic.” Basically, Dr. Makaya explains: “All requirements that metals cannot easily cope with,”

“In the context of the lunar base the main driver for producing ceramic parts. is the large abundance of the regolith material. Not all additive manufacturing technologies will be adapted to all usages. But sintered ceramic parts with high accuracies and complicated shapes – i.e. the type of parts that 3D printing of regolith can produce – have a role to play in the overall maintenance strategy […]”

In order to produce the parts, regolith powder had to be combined with a light reactive binder. After printing, the parts were then sintered to produce a strong solid.

“The particular technology of lithographic ceramic manufacturing, thanks to its ability to produce very fine details on objects made of regolith, appears very suited to building items where high precision and good dimensional accuracy are needed,” Dr. Makaya concludes.

“HAVING A WAY TO MANUFACTURE SPARE PARTS LOCALLY, USING THE ABUNDANT REGOLITH RESOURCE APPEARS HIGHLY ATTRACTIVE, COMPARED TO HAVING TO SOURCE THESE PARTS FROM EARTH. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT VERY SMALL ELEMENTS, BUT WITH POTENTIALLY A CRITICAL FUNCTION IF THEY ARE PART OF A KEY EQUIPMENT OR INSTRUMENT.”

3D printers in space

At present, vat polymerization techniques have not yet proven to 3D print in low-gravity conditions, though the potential of project could warrant the development of such systems in the future.

So far, American microgravity fabrication specialist Made In Space has installed the FFF-based Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) aboard the ISS and succeeded in producing small tools and components.

Next, under Project MELT, ESA is planning to put a high temperature FFF 3D printer aboard the station for tests, and Made In Space has been cleared to develop a metal system for microgravity conditions.

ESA’s Microgravity 3D printer for engineering grade plastics. Photo via BEEVERYCREATIVE

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Featured image shows Dr. Advenit Makaya, ESA Advanced Manufacturing Engineer in Materials and Processes. Photo by Clara Cruz/ESA

Source: https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/interview-esa-and-lithoz-take-small-steps-toward-3d-printing-on-the-moon-143730/

New Post has been published on http://www.deepgreenfutures.com/2018/11/20/low-carbon-living/

Low Carbon Living on track to meet 10mgts target by 2020

CRC for Low Carbon Living on track to meet 10mgts target by 2020

From Architectureanddesign.com.au Nov. 19, 2018

Low carbon experts from around the globe are gathering at the Adelaide National Wine Centre today to discuss how the latest CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) research is contributing to lowering carbon emissions in Australia’s built environment.

Australia’s only research and innovation hub, the CRCLCL is committed to contributing a cumulative reduction in carbon emissions of 10 megatonnes by 2020.

Now in its final year of funding, the Centre has announced that it is well on track to meet its founding goal by 2020, which will enable a projected economic benefit to Australia of $684 million by 2027.

To be held 19 – 20 November, the 2018 Annual Participants Forum: From Research to Reality hosted by the CRCLCL will discuss how the past six years of low carbon research are contributing to the significant reduction in carbon emissions in Australia’s built environment, along with several other related topics including low carbon solutions, green energy and the construction code.

Topics to be discussed at the forum include: Urban Heat Island mitigation to cool our cities; Blockchain technology for solar energy sharing and pricing; low carbon tourism; the world’s first trial of geopolymer concrete ocean barricades; low carbon schools and precincts; suggested changes to the National Construction Code; low carbon construction materials; cool roofs for large buildings; energy efficient pool pumps; low carbon wastewater treatment; and engaging communities to take low carbon action.

Several international speakers are also scheduled to speak at the CRCLCL event including Professor Brian Collins, professor of Engineering Policy at University College London and director of the International Centre for Infrastructure Futures; and Professor Ivo Martinac – Professor and Chair, Building Services and Energy Systems KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden.

Both will share their expert knowledge and experience in delivering low to zero carbon urban environments from policy as well as practice perspectives.

Australian keynote speakers include The Hon Mark Butler- shadow minister for Climate Change and Energy and Labor Member for Port Adelaide; David Speirs – SA minister for Environment and Water South Australian and State Member for Black; Dr Jemma Green – co-founder and chair of Power Ledger; and Richard Turner, SIMEC ZEN Energy.

The CRCLCL will also host an Adelaide focused industry breakfast entitled ‘Visions for a Carbon Neutral Adelaide’ on 20 November at 7am.

New Post has been published on http://www.deepgreenfutures.com/2018/11/16/ccc-3d-printed-homes/

CCC: 3D Printed Homes Set to Become Mass Production Solutions

CCC: 3D Printed Homes set to become mass production solutions

ATHENS, Greece, November 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ —

The world’s first realistic approach to the mass production of 3D Printed Houses has been successfully piloted in Saudi Arabia, with the pioneering creation of a unique 3D Printed House Prototype taking 3D printing technology into mainstream construction.

Global construction leaders Consolidated Contractors Company and technology company CyBe were commissioned by the National Housing Company in Saudi Arabia to create the Prototype as part of a vision to transform the housing industry worldwide with innovative technologies meeting ever-growing, critical housing demands on local and global scales.

The collaborative project is the first step of many in realising 3D Printing as a mainstream construction method and certifying that new approaches, such as load bearing walls and complete MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) integration while printing – approaches that were explored with this pilot project – are thoroughly investigated and implemented in future phases.

The project is not simply a ‘proof of concept’ regarding 3D printing technology – rather, it examined the realistic adoption of 3D printing technology in mainstream construction. The Prototype took 3D Printing from an ‘abstract future vision’ through to real-life implementation as a mainstream solution.

Consolidated Contractors Company were also committed to Saudization – Saudi nationals were trained in the 3D printing approach and associated processes, with the aim to be involved in future phases. All finishing material used to complete the project was acquired locally from Saudi suppliers and local industry.

The purpose of the initiative was to build a demo housing unit, demonstrating the capabilities of 3D printing technology and to investigate its potential benefits to the housing market.

About Consolidated Contractors Company:

Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) is a global leader in the engineering and construction industry. Established in 1952 and operating worldwide, CCC has provided more than 65 years of project management, engineering, procurement and construction services to the industry, is currently engaged in 56 ongoing projects globally, and employs around 182,000 people internationally.

The company’s landmark construction projects include the Dubai Mall, the Abu Dhabi International Airport – Midfield Terminal Building, Riyadh Metro Project, residential towers, hotels, power stations, water and sewage treatment plants and networks, roads and bridges, industrial and process plants and pipelines around the world. Consolidated Contractors Company contributes to the Partnering Against Corruption Initiative of the World Economic Forum, along with the UN Global Compact, to ensure business ethics, anti-bribery policies and sustainable growth in all forms of its operations.

SOURCE Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC)

New Post has been published on http://www.deepgreenfutures.com/2018/11/16/next-gen-construction-3d-printer/

Next-gen Construction 3D Printer Being Developed by COBOD

The company will develop the new construction 3D printer by 2021 thanks to a grant from N3XTCON

From 3D Printing Media Network by Tess Boissonneault November 12, 2018

The BOD building in Copenhagen

COBOD International, the construction 3D printing branch of Danish company 3D Printhuset, has received a grant to put towards developing the next generation construction 3D printer. The grant is part of the N3XTCON project, which itself has over 2 million euros in support from the Innovation Fund Denmark.

In addition to COBOD’s development of a next-gen construction 3D printer, the N3XTCON project also involves participation from materials suppliers, construction companies, architects, building owners, research institutions and universities. The goal of the project is to 3D print a demonstration building in Denmark designed by architect Bjarke Ingels’ BIG Architects firm.

COBOD, known best for its BOD2 construction 3D printer and the 3D printed Bod house in Copenhagen, will de developing a new 3D printer with the deadline of 2021.

“With the first 3D printed building in Europe, The BOD in Copenhagen, living up to all strict European building rules and regulations, we proved that 3D construction printing has the potential to disrupt the construction sector,” commented Henrik Lund-Nielsen, CEO of COBOD International. “This was further underlined by our partnership with The PERI Group. With this new project, we chase that ambition even further.”

“Since making The BOD we developed the BOD2 printer, an improved version of the BOD1 printer, which we used for making The BOD,” he continued. “We have no doubts that the BOD2 printer is globally the leading 3D construction printer evidenced by the unprecedented hardware speed of 100 cm/second and the fact that we with the BOD2 won the first ever EU tender for a 3D construction printer. However, we need to move on to stay ahead and this project will help us do exactly that.”

Render of the BOD2 construction 3D printer

The development of the next generation construction 3D printer will advance in close collaboration with research institutions and universities, which will offer their own expertise to create a machine that is more advanced than anything on the market today. In the context of construction 3D printing, research projects and efforts are providing a rich foundation in terms of hardware, materials and construction AM initiatives.

“To stay ahead and to fundamentally disrupt the construction sector, we need to continue developing and create new functionalities for the printers like integral reinforcement solutions, materials control systems etc. Developing such require specialized knowledge, all of which we do not necessarily have,” elaborated COBOD’s Development manager Michael Holm. “We are therefore very pleased that the Innovation Fund Denmark chose to support the development of our next generation printer, which we will do in close co-operation with the leading Danish research institutions and universities to create something truly unique and disruptive.”

Internationally recognized architect Bjarke Ingels’s firm will take charge of the design for the 3D printed demonstration building. The company is behind many stunning and innovative buildings including the recently completed LEGO House in Billund, Denmark, the Danish Maritime Museum in Helsingør, Denmark and others.

It will be interesting to see how the prolific architecture firm utilizes the design freedom afforded by 3D printing to create a design for the N3XTCON building project.

New Post has been published on http://www.deepgreenfutures.com/2018/11/12/bitcoin-legal-in-china/

Bitcoin Legal In China; The Cryptocurrency Ban Has Been Lifted

China Lifts Bitcoin Ban; Individuals and Businesses Can Now Own Cryptocurrencies Legally

From BTCCNN by Bada Adedamola – November 8, 2018

Bitcoin (BTC) is now recognized as a legal asset to be owned, transferred and utilized as a medium of payment for goods and services in China as decreed by the Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration after ordering the Bitcoin ban in 2017.

Nearing the end of last year, Bitcoin and cryptocurrency trading as a whole was banned by the Chinese government. This was effected by a forceful shutdown of cryptocurrency exchanges based in China including popular Chinese exchange platforms like BTC China and Via BTC.

The consequence of this decision was evident when the value of Bitcoin dropped from it’s the then all-time high of $4,000 to a fall in about 20% of its value after being massively sold by concerned investors. Another big part of the massive drop then, was because mining rigs all over China were shut down in quick response to the government policy. China houses some of the biggest Bitcoin mining rigs on the planet.

Bitcoin as a Legalized Asset in China

According to a recent report by CnLedger, the crypto ban is now a thing of the past in China, as virtual currencies have been legalized as a mode of payment to be accepted by people and business entities as. The Shenzen Court of International Arbitration was quoted as saying;

“Chinese court confirms Bitcoin is protected by law. Shenzhen Court of International Arbitration ruled a case involving cryptos. Inside the verdict: CN law does not forbid owning & transferring bitcoin, which should be protected by law because of its property nature and economic value.”

A cryptocurrency researcher, Katherine Wu, who went through the documents of the court conveniently stated that cryptocurrency could be viewed as an asset because of its decentralized status.

Adoption of Bitcoin and Major Altcoins in Chinese Businesses

Businesses in different parts of China are, however, adopting Bitcoin as a medium of payment for their services. This includes China’s oldest technology publication Beijing Sci-Tech Report (BSTR), which recently accepted Bitcoin to be used as payment by users for the subscription of its magazine. Several hotels across China are now increasingly adopting Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies as a mode of payment, with even a hotel namely the Ethereum Hotel promoting Ethereum to its customers by offering discounts to customers who pay in Ethereum coins for its services.

A huge significance of this move is the seeming embracement of technological innovations by China, who have in recent times, shown aversion to innovations of the Blockchain technology. The country’s internet regulator, however, is looking to put an end to the anonymity enjoyed by the country’s Bitcoin users by forcing services to perform a necessary KYC on its users so their identities can be found out.

Experts predict that this move is primarily to checkmate the extreme fraud, hacks, and scams plaguing the crypto space. The country initially countered the use of cryptocurrency citing its negative impact on the imminent devaluation of the Yuan, its official currency. Anyone can now pay for goods and services with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies without being in fear of going against financial government regulations.

New Post has been published on https://www.deepgreenfutures.com/2018/11/10/3d-printing-robots-labor-shortages/

3D Printing Robots to Address Skilled Labor Shortages

How Autodesk plans to bring 3D printing robots to construction sites

From ZDNet By Natalie Gagliordi for Between the Lines | November 8, 2018

Autodesk has come up with an additive manufacturing “toolbox” for the construction industry, with robots and 3D printing systems coming together in a portable shipping container. (3D Printing Robots)

Autodesk is showcasing its vision to bring robots to work sites for on-demand, 3D printing of building parts. The design software company said the goal is to address the skilled labor shortage facing the construction industry, but also to help the industry keep pace with rising housing demands using newer manufacturing principles and practices.

According to Autodesk, a rising global population will lead to increased demand for buildings. This demand, combined with the short supply of qualified workers, has pushed the construction industry to consider new building techniques, including the way parts of buildings are made.

Autodesk’s solution to this supposed supply and demand housing crisis is a sort of additive manufacturing “toolbox” for the construction industry, with robots and 3D printing systems coming together in a portable shipping container.

The idea is that various robots and printing systems — capable of printing large, usable metal components — can be packaged up in a shipping container and sent from job site to job site. This method, the company says, enables buildings to be built quickly, parts to be produced more accurately, and helps to fill the construction labor shortage.

Autodesk said the robot stuffed shipping container will make its way around Europe this winter.