MIT engineers unveil 3D-printed concrete design method cutting material use by 76%

MIT researchers published a framework in Additive Manufacturing that factors concrete printers' fabrication limits into structural designs. A demo 7.6-foot bridge was printed in 30 minutes using 14% less material and 76% less weight, weighing about 900 pounds while supporting over 2,000 pounds.

• Demo bridge printed in 30 minutes with commonly available materials
• Design uses 14% less material and cuts weight by over 76%
• 900-pound bridge supports more than 2,000 pounds without bending
• Framework accounts for nozzle turn radius and bead thickness