{"id":4710,"date":"2023-11-13T09:38:33","date_gmt":"2023-11-13T08:38:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/?p=4710"},"modified":"2025-07-29T16:03:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T14:03:03","slug":"printing-constructions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/articles\/printing-constructions\/","title":{"rendered":"Printing constructions?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">An urgent observation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The future of construction looks to be a real conundrum. Although this industry is responsible for 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 40-50% of all raw materials, the needs it must meet will continue to grow. The number of people living in urban areas is set to double by 2050, from 3.5 billion today to 7 billion. On top of this, there is the problem of resources. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/news\/wonk\/wp\/2015\/03\/24\/how-china-used-more-cement-in-3-years-than-the-u-s-did-in-the-entire-20th-century\/\">In just three years (2011-2013), China consumed more than the United States did in the entire 20th century<\/a>, and the curve is exponential. Despite this, <a href=\"https:\/\/www-sciencedirect-com.extranet.enpc.fr\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921344918303380?via%3Dihub\">84% of designers believe that the priority is not saving materials but ease of execution<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www-sciencedirect-com.extranet.enpc.fr\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921344918300090\">40% of structural materials are over-abundant<\/a>. What&#8217;s more, the sector is seen as unattractive, strenuous (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcg.com\/publications\/collections\/most-innovative-companies-2018\">tools and productivity have stagnated since the 1950s<\/a>) and dangerous (there were 150 fatal workplace accidents in France in 2020), making it increasingly difficult to recruit staff. In France, 44% of managers are facing such problems, with figures as high as 70% and 88% for the building and civil engineering sector. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpme.fr\/espace-presse\/communiques-de-presse\/resultats-de-lenquete-de-conjoncture-cpme-la-reprise-est-la-mais-elle-reste-fragile\">57% of managers surveyed said they had had to forego certain projects<\/a>.To meet their needs, 40,000 people a year will have to be hired in the construction industry over the next few years. How can we meet the construction and environmental challenges that lie ahead? How can we address the urgent need to build 50,000 new homes in France between 2015 and 2035 and renovate 7.2 million energy-inefficient homes?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sector requires a profound reorganization. Efforts must be stepped up into organization, interoperability between players, integration and Lean Management<sup data-fn=\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\" id=\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13-link\">1<\/a><\/sup>. The industrial model also needs to be overhauled to improve productivity and construction quality, drawing on practices seen in other sectors, such as the automotive industry, and in other countries famous for automation and integration, such as Japan and Germany. The prefabrication of the 1970s is now widely derided, despite the fact that it rendered immense services to housing and needs to be reinvented with Industry 4.0 tools such as object-oriented programming, parametric design, robotization, cobotics<sup data-fn=\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\" id=\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809-link\">2<\/a><\/sup> and imaging to finally allow for a genuine DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) approach to construction and mass-customization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, using these concepts, new automotive lines produce custom-built vehicles made to order with very little stock, to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. Today, these technological opportunities can also serve the construction sector, which inherently produces prototypes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Concrete 4.0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is only natural to consider which technologies can provide quick solutions. Over the past few years, robotized 3D printing of mortars has gained a high profile as the bridgehead of disruptive construction technologies associated with the automation and digitization of designs and processes. Numerous advances have been made, concerning materials (formulations, alternative binders), processes (technology, rheology) as well as new potential and relevant construction systems. However, work remains to be done before any applications can become economically and technically attractive. Structural applications remain rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">The best concrete is the kind you don&#8217;t pour<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinforced concrete structures from the early 20th century, such as Eug\u00e8ne Freyssinet&#8217;s bridges and Pier Luigi Nervi&#8217;s hulls, proved that it was possible to build ambitious, optimized and durable structures in reinforced concrete. These ideas, which are all too technical and complex for today&#8217;s environment, can be revisited using robotics, off-site approaches, and even additive manufacturing. For example, without disrupting current regulations, it is possible to print frameworks with complex shapes that allow for the creation of optimal reinforced concrete elements. In collaboration with architect Marc Dalibard, XtreeE, a company specializing in the 3D printing of mortars, proposed molds for complex-shaped architectural posts for a gymnasium at a secondary school in Aix-en-Provence (Krypton 2016 project). A joint project with ISC-Vinci allowed the Navier laboratory team to test this type of concept at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es <a href=\"https:\/\/enpc.hal.science\/hal-02485770v1\">for the design of hollow-core reinforced concrete beams<\/a>. In line with Eurocode recommendations, they were produced on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildin-enpc.fr\/\">Build&#8217;In<\/a> regional technology platform7 and used up to 40% less concrete (left). Experiments on the Grand Paris construction sites and a similar approach for floors are underway with ISC-Vinci (right). One of the initiatives of the TIGA project &#8220;Construire au Futur, Habiter au Futur&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/construire-au-futur-habiter-le-futur.assoconnect.com\/page\/1412516-home\">Building in the Future, Living in the Future<\/a>) explores how this type of approach can be deployed on an industrial scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" data-id=\"4644\" src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Manufacturing a prototype, the printing phase of clay frameworks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"525\" height=\"331\" data-id=\"4646\" src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image2_JFCaron.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4646\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image2_JFCaron.jpg 525w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image2_JFCaron-300x189.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An optimized beam for a parking lot in Drancy (S.Maitenaz, ISC- VINCI Construction)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Reinforced printed concrete<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The use of 3D printing in the construction sector is promising but remains limited to non-structural applications. Mortars and concretes are brittle and have low tensile strength, making them non-compliant with regulatory standards. To explore this path further, we need to rethink constructive solutions as a whole, since the structures usually printed are thin or hollow, and less massive. At the same time, traditional reinforcement techniques (reinforcement, fibering) need to be re-evaluated and adapted to 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Initiatives to print pre-fibered mortars are giving good results, but extrusion complicates the technique, and the potential fiber content remains low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>An original solution to the problem combining traditional know-how in cement with more recent expertise in composite materials and structures has been proposed by the Navier laboratory. A composite is an intricate mix of matrices and fibers that can be considered a material \u201cof equivalent homogeneity\u201d that has its own mechanical properties. Flow-based pultrusion<sup data-fn=\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\" id=\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d-link\">3<\/a><\/sup> is a new process that has been developed and patented, in which a composite is extruded in the form of a cementitious matrix strand reinforced with just 3 to 6% (in volume) of long fibers of glass, basalt, carbon or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). The fibers are driven directly to the extruder head by the mortar flow without any additional motorization, making it very easy to manage and control the laying of the reinforced strand (see below). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"419\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image3_JFCaron.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4648\" style=\"width:423px;height:298px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image3_JFCaron.jpg 419w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image3_JFCaron-300x211.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A patented device for printing continuous-fiber mortar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, parameters such as friction, shear threshold and mortar viscosity must be carefully managed to ensure that the fibers are properly soaked and driven. Initial bending and tensile results on reinforced samples are promising. With 3% of fibers aligned in the direction of the strand, the highly oriented material combines improved tensile strength (2.5 times that of the non-reinforced material) and up to 2% tensile ductility, a significant figure achieved through multi-cracking. Current work is focusing on the use of higher percentages of fiber (6 to 10%) and the durability of the structures thus created. A collaborative project with XtreeE is underway to develop an industrial printing head for continuous-fiber mortars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Towards construction 4.0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These few examples of additive manufacturing are just the first 4.0 avenues open to manufacturers to tackle the conundrum described in the introduction. The industry&#8217;s slow pace of automation leaves us with no choice but to &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Farmer-Review.pdf\">modernise or die<\/a>&#8220;, as confirmed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecologie.gouv.fr\/sites\/default\/files\/Rapport%20construction%20hors-site_VF_Janvier%202021.pdf\">most recent report commissioned by the French Ministry of Housing<\/a>, which notes that the USA, Italy and France are the most off-track among developed economies. Given the high variability of the tasks in the construction industry, the concepts and single-task robots pioneered in the 1980s (Single Task Construction Robot) have proved unsuitable and now limit the degree of complexity of the potential applications. Modularity is a real technological issue. Rapidly reconfigurable plants that incorporate a range of processes, such as 3D printing, machining and quality control and operate close to the construction site, are essential if we are to meet the economic and environmental challenges we face. This will considerably reduce non-quality costs on site (estimated at between 10% and 30%, compared with 1% in industry).<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-footnotes\"><li id=\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\">A management and work organization method (inspired by Toyota) that aims to improve a company&#8217;s performance and the quality and profitability of its production. <a href=\"#31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 1\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><li id=\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\">Cobotics refers to human-robot collaboration. <a href=\"#22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 2\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><li id=\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\">Patent wo2020249913\/fr3097152 &#8211; 2020 &#8211; Method and Device for Manufacturing an Anisotropic Concrete <a href=\"#8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d-link\" aria-label=\"Jump to footnote reference 3\">\u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An urgent observation The future of construction looks to be a real conundrum. Although this industry is responsible for 30% [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":4644,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_related_content_post":[],"_related_content_subject":[936],"_related_content_author":[4709],"_related_content_category":[1720],"_related_content_folder":[4730],"_excerpt":"Given the environmental emergency, growing needs and the shortage of labor, the construction industry needs to reinvent itself. Digital technology, 3D printing, robotization, new materials and design offer promising possibilities for tackling these challenges while facilitating more sustainable constructions.<br>","_duration":6,"_manual_duration":false,"footnotes":"[{\"content\":\"A management and work organization method (inspired by Toyota) that aims to improve a company's performance and the quality and profitability of its production.\",\"id\":\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\"},{\"content\":\"Cobotics refers to human-robot collaboration.\",\"id\":\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\"},{\"content\":\"Patent wo2020249913\/fr3097152 - 2020 - Method and Device for Manufacturing an Anisotropic Concrete\",\"id\":\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\"}]"},"article-types":[13,27],"class_list":["post-4710","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","article-types-article","article-types-folder"],"has_blocks":true,"block_data":[{"blockName":"enpc\/excerpt","attrs":{"lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[],"rendered":""},{"blockName":"core\/image","attrs":{"id":4644,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"wide","blob":"","url":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1024x683.jpg","alt":"","caption":"","lightbox":[],"title":"","href":"","rel":"","linkClass":"","width":"","height":"","aspectRatio":"","scale":"","linkTarget":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"wp-block-image alignwide size-large","style":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\"\/><\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\"\/><\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\"\/><\/figure>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":"An urgent observation","level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">An urgent observation<\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">An urgent observation<\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">An urgent observation<\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"The future of construction looks to be a real conundrum. Although this industry is responsible for 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 40-50% of all raw materials, the needs it must meet will continue to grow. The number of people living in urban areas is set to double by 2050, from 3.5 billion today to 7 billion. On top of this, there is the problem of resources. In just three years (2011-2013), China consumed more than the United States did in the entire 20th century, and the curve is exponential. Despite this, 84% of designers believe that the priority is not saving materials but ease of execution and 40% of structural materials are over-abundant. What's more, the sector is seen as unattractive, strenuous (tools and productivity have stagnated since the 1950s) and dangerous (there were 150 fatal workplace accidents in France in 2020), making it increasingly difficult to recruit staff. In France, 44% of managers are facing such problems, with figures as high as 70% and 88% for the building and civil engineering sector. 57% of managers surveyed said they had had to forego certain projects.To meet their needs, 40,000 people a year will have to be hired in the construction industry over the next few years. How can we meet the construction and environmental challenges that lie ahead? How can we address the urgent need to build 50,000 new homes in France between 2015 and 2035 and renovate 7.2 million energy-inefficient homes?","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>The future of construction looks to be a real conundrum. Although this industry is responsible for 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 40-50% of all raw materials, the needs it must meet will continue to grow. The number of people living in urban areas is set to double by 2050, from 3.5 billion today to 7 billion. On top of this, there is the problem of resources. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/news\/wonk\/wp\/2015\/03\/24\/how-china-used-more-cement-in-3-years-than-the-u-s-did-in-the-entire-20th-century\/\">In just three years (2011-2013), China consumed more than the United States did in the entire 20th century<\/a>, and the curve is exponential. Despite this, <a href=\"https:\/\/www-sciencedirect-com.extranet.enpc.fr\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921344918303380?via%3Dihub\">84% of designers believe that the priority is not saving materials but ease of execution<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www-sciencedirect-com.extranet.enpc.fr\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921344918300090\">40% of structural materials are over-abundant<\/a>. What's more, the sector is seen as unattractive, strenuous (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcg.com\/publications\/collections\/most-innovative-companies-2018\">tools and productivity have stagnated since the 1950s<\/a>) and dangerous (there were 150 fatal workplace accidents in France in 2020), making it increasingly difficult to recruit staff. In France, 44% of managers are facing such problems, with figures as high as 70% and 88% for the building and civil engineering sector. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpme.fr\/espace-presse\/communiques-de-presse\/resultats-de-lenquete-de-conjoncture-cpme-la-reprise-est-la-mais-elle-reste-fragile\">57% of managers surveyed said they had had to forego certain projects<\/a>.To meet their needs, 40,000 people a year will have to be hired in the construction industry over the next few years. How can we meet the construction and environmental challenges that lie ahead? How can we address the urgent need to build 50,000 new homes in France between 2015 and 2035 and renovate 7.2 million energy-inefficient homes?<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>The future of construction looks to be a real conundrum. Although this industry is responsible for 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 40-50% of all raw materials, the needs it must meet will continue to grow. The number of people living in urban areas is set to double by 2050, from 3.5 billion today to 7 billion. On top of this, there is the problem of resources. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/news\/wonk\/wp\/2015\/03\/24\/how-china-used-more-cement-in-3-years-than-the-u-s-did-in-the-entire-20th-century\/\">In just three years (2011-2013), China consumed more than the United States did in the entire 20th century<\/a>, and the curve is exponential. Despite this, <a href=\"https:\/\/www-sciencedirect-com.extranet.enpc.fr\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921344918303380?via%3Dihub\">84% of designers believe that the priority is not saving materials but ease of execution<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www-sciencedirect-com.extranet.enpc.fr\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921344918300090\">40% of structural materials are over-abundant<\/a>. What's more, the sector is seen as unattractive, strenuous (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcg.com\/publications\/collections\/most-innovative-companies-2018\">tools and productivity have stagnated since the 1950s<\/a>) and dangerous (there were 150 fatal workplace accidents in France in 2020), making it increasingly difficult to recruit staff. In France, 44% of managers are facing such problems, with figures as high as 70% and 88% for the building and civil engineering sector. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpme.fr\/espace-presse\/communiques-de-presse\/resultats-de-lenquete-de-conjoncture-cpme-la-reprise-est-la-mais-elle-reste-fragile\">57% of managers surveyed said they had had to forego certain projects<\/a>.To meet their needs, 40,000 people a year will have to be hired in the construction industry over the next few years. How can we meet the construction and environmental challenges that lie ahead? How can we address the urgent need to build 50,000 new homes in France between 2015 and 2035 and renovate 7.2 million energy-inefficient homes?<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p>The future of construction looks to be a real conundrum. Although this industry is responsible for 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 40-50% of all raw materials, the needs it must meet will continue to grow. The number of people living in urban areas is set to double by 2050, from 3.5 billion today to 7 billion. On top of this, there is the problem of resources. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/news\/wonk\/wp\/2015\/03\/24\/how-china-used-more-cement-in-3-years-than-the-u-s-did-in-the-entire-20th-century\/\">In just three years (2011-2013), China consumed more than the United States did in the entire 20th century<\/a>, and the curve is exponential. Despite this, <a href=\"https:\/\/www-sciencedirect-com.extranet.enpc.fr\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921344918303380?via%3Dihub\">84% of designers believe that the priority is not saving materials but ease of execution<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www-sciencedirect-com.extranet.enpc.fr\/science\/article\/pii\/S0921344918300090\">40% of structural materials are over-abundant<\/a>. What's more, the sector is seen as unattractive, strenuous (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcg.com\/publications\/collections\/most-innovative-companies-2018\">tools and productivity have stagnated since the 1950s<\/a>) and dangerous (there were 150 fatal workplace accidents in France in 2020), making it increasingly difficult to recruit staff. In France, 44% of managers are facing such problems, with figures as high as 70% and 88% for the building and civil engineering sector. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpme.fr\/espace-presse\/communiques-de-presse\/resultats-de-lenquete-de-conjoncture-cpme-la-reprise-est-la-mais-elle-reste-fragile\">57% of managers surveyed said they had had to forego certain projects<\/a>.To meet their needs, 40,000 people a year will have to be hired in the construction industry over the next few years. How can we meet the construction and environmental challenges that lie ahead? How can we address the urgent need to build 50,000 new homes in France between 2015 and 2035 and renovate 7.2 million energy-inefficient homes?<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"The sector requires a profound reorganization. Efforts must be stepped up into organization, interoperability between players, integration and Lean Management1. The industrial model also needs to be overhauled to improve productivity and construction quality, drawing on practices seen in other sectors, such as the automotive industry, and in other countries famous for automation and integration, such as Japan and Germany. The prefabrication of the 1970s is now widely derided, despite the fact that it rendered immense services to housing and needs to be reinvented with Industry 4.0 tools such as object-oriented programming, parametric design, robotization, cobotics2 and imaging to finally allow for a genuine DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) approach to construction and mass-customization.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>The sector requires a profound reorganization. Efforts must be stepped up into organization, interoperability between players, integration and Lean Management<sup data-fn=\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\" id=\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13-link\">1<\/a><\/sup>. The industrial model also needs to be overhauled to improve productivity and construction quality, drawing on practices seen in other sectors, such as the automotive industry, and in other countries famous for automation and integration, such as Japan and Germany. The prefabrication of the 1970s is now widely derided, despite the fact that it rendered immense services to housing and needs to be reinvented with Industry 4.0 tools such as object-oriented programming, parametric design, robotization, cobotics<sup data-fn=\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\" id=\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809-link\">2<\/a><\/sup> and imaging to finally allow for a genuine DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) approach to construction and mass-customization.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>The sector requires a profound reorganization. Efforts must be stepped up into organization, interoperability between players, integration and Lean Management<sup data-fn=\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\" id=\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13-link\">1<\/a><\/sup>. The industrial model also needs to be overhauled to improve productivity and construction quality, drawing on practices seen in other sectors, such as the automotive industry, and in other countries famous for automation and integration, such as Japan and Germany. The prefabrication of the 1970s is now widely derided, despite the fact that it rendered immense services to housing and needs to be reinvented with Industry 4.0 tools such as object-oriented programming, parametric design, robotization, cobotics<sup data-fn=\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\" id=\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809-link\">2<\/a><\/sup> and imaging to finally allow for a genuine DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) approach to construction and mass-customization.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p>The sector requires a profound reorganization. Efforts must be stepped up into organization, interoperability between players, integration and Lean Management<sup data-fn=\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13\" id=\"31e82f6a-4114-4b78-a67a-859327708f13-link\">1<\/a><\/sup>. The industrial model also needs to be overhauled to improve productivity and construction quality, drawing on practices seen in other sectors, such as the automotive industry, and in other countries famous for automation and integration, such as Japan and Germany. The prefabrication of the 1970s is now widely derided, despite the fact that it rendered immense services to housing and needs to be reinvented with Industry 4.0 tools such as object-oriented programming, parametric design, robotization, cobotics<sup data-fn=\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809\" id=\"22050a6b-304e-40ab-97bb-6cd8f833a809-link\">2<\/a><\/sup> and imaging to finally allow for a genuine DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly) approach to construction and mass-customization.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"For example, using these concepts, new automotive lines produce custom-built vehicles made to order with very little stock, to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. Today, these technological opportunities can also serve the construction sector, which inherently produces prototypes.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>For example, using these concepts, new automotive lines produce custom-built vehicles made to order with very little stock, to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. Today, these technological opportunities can also serve the construction sector, which inherently produces prototypes.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>For example, using these concepts, new automotive lines produce custom-built vehicles made to order with very little stock, to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. Today, these technological opportunities can also serve the construction sector, which inherently produces prototypes.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p>For example, using these concepts, new automotive lines produce custom-built vehicles made to order with very little stock, to ensure maximum customer satisfaction. Today, these technological opportunities can also serve the construction sector, which inherently produces prototypes.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":"Concrete 4.0","level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Concrete 4.0<\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Concrete 4.0<\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Concrete 4.0<\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"It is only natural to consider which technologies can provide quick solutions. Over the past few years, robotized 3D printing of mortars has gained a high profile as the bridgehead of disruptive construction technologies associated with the automation and digitization of designs and processes. Numerous advances have been made, concerning materials (formulations, alternative binders), processes (technology, rheology) as well as new potential and relevant construction systems. However, work remains to be done before any applications can become economically and technically attractive. Structural applications remain rare.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>It is only natural to consider which technologies can provide quick solutions. Over the past few years, robotized 3D printing of mortars has gained a high profile as the bridgehead of disruptive construction technologies associated with the automation and digitization of designs and processes. Numerous advances have been made, concerning materials (formulations, alternative binders), processes (technology, rheology) as well as new potential and relevant construction systems. However, work remains to be done before any applications can become economically and technically attractive. Structural applications remain rare.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>It is only natural to consider which technologies can provide quick solutions. Over the past few years, robotized 3D printing of mortars has gained a high profile as the bridgehead of disruptive construction technologies associated with the automation and digitization of designs and processes. Numerous advances have been made, concerning materials (formulations, alternative binders), processes (technology, rheology) as well as new potential and relevant construction systems. However, work remains to be done before any applications can become economically and technically attractive. Structural applications remain rare.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p>It is only natural to consider which technologies can provide quick solutions. Over the past few years, robotized 3D printing of mortars has gained a high profile as the bridgehead of disruptive construction technologies associated with the automation and digitization of designs and processes. Numerous advances have been made, concerning materials (formulations, alternative binders), processes (technology, rheology) as well as new potential and relevant construction systems. However, work remains to be done before any applications can become economically and technically attractive. Structural applications remain rare.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"level":3,"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":"The best concrete is the kind you don't pour","levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">The best concrete is the kind you don't pour<\/h3>\n","innerContent":["\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">The best concrete is the kind you don't pour<\/h3>\n"],"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">The best concrete is the kind you don't pour<\/h3>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"Reinforced concrete structures from the early 20th century, such as Eug\u00e8ne Freyssinet's bridges and Pier Luigi Nervi's hulls, proved that it was possible to build ambitious, optimized and durable structures in reinforced concrete. These ideas, which are all too technical and complex for today's environment, can be revisited using robotics, off-site approaches, and even additive manufacturing. For example, without disrupting current regulations, it is possible to print frameworks with complex shapes that allow for the creation of optimal reinforced concrete elements. In collaboration with architect Marc Dalibard, XtreeE, a company specializing in the 3D printing of mortars, proposed molds for complex-shaped architectural posts for a gymnasium at a secondary school in Aix-en-Provence (Krypton 2016 project). A joint project with ISC-Vinci allowed the Navier laboratory team to test this type of concept at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es for the design of hollow-core reinforced concrete beams. In line with Eurocode recommendations, they were produced on the Build'In regional technology platform7 and used up to 40% less concrete (left). Experiments on the Grand Paris construction sites and a similar approach for floors are underway with ISC-Vinci (right). One of the initiatives of the TIGA project \"Construire au Futur, Habiter au Futur\" (Building in the Future, Living in the Future) explores how this type of approach can be deployed on an industrial scale.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>Reinforced concrete structures from the early 20th century, such as Eug\u00e8ne Freyssinet's bridges and Pier Luigi Nervi's hulls, proved that it was possible to build ambitious, optimized and durable structures in reinforced concrete. These ideas, which are all too technical and complex for today's environment, can be revisited using robotics, off-site approaches, and even additive manufacturing. For example, without disrupting current regulations, it is possible to print frameworks with complex shapes that allow for the creation of optimal reinforced concrete elements. In collaboration with architect Marc Dalibard, XtreeE, a company specializing in the 3D printing of mortars, proposed molds for complex-shaped architectural posts for a gymnasium at a secondary school in Aix-en-Provence (Krypton 2016 project). A joint project with ISC-Vinci allowed the Navier laboratory team to test this type of concept at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es <a href=\"https:\/\/enpc.hal.science\/hal-02485770v1\">for the design of hollow-core reinforced concrete beams<\/a>. In line with Eurocode recommendations, they were produced on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildin-enpc.fr\/\">Build'In<\/a> regional technology platform7 and used up to 40% less concrete (left). Experiments on the Grand Paris construction sites and a similar approach for floors are underway with ISC-Vinci (right). One of the initiatives of the TIGA project \"Construire au Futur, Habiter au Futur\" (<a href=\"https:\/\/construire-au-futur-habiter-le-futur.assoconnect.com\/page\/1412516-home\">Building in the Future, Living in the Future<\/a>) explores how this type of approach can be deployed on an industrial scale.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>Reinforced concrete structures from the early 20th century, such as Eug\u00e8ne Freyssinet's bridges and Pier Luigi Nervi's hulls, proved that it was possible to build ambitious, optimized and durable structures in reinforced concrete. These ideas, which are all too technical and complex for today's environment, can be revisited using robotics, off-site approaches, and even additive manufacturing. For example, without disrupting current regulations, it is possible to print frameworks with complex shapes that allow for the creation of optimal reinforced concrete elements. In collaboration with architect Marc Dalibard, XtreeE, a company specializing in the 3D printing of mortars, proposed molds for complex-shaped architectural posts for a gymnasium at a secondary school in Aix-en-Provence (Krypton 2016 project). A joint project with ISC-Vinci allowed the Navier laboratory team to test this type of concept at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es <a href=\"https:\/\/enpc.hal.science\/hal-02485770v1\">for the design of hollow-core reinforced concrete beams<\/a>. In line with Eurocode recommendations, they were produced on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildin-enpc.fr\/\">Build'In<\/a> regional technology platform7 and used up to 40% less concrete (left). Experiments on the Grand Paris construction sites and a similar approach for floors are underway with ISC-Vinci (right). One of the initiatives of the TIGA project \"Construire au Futur, Habiter au Futur\" (<a href=\"https:\/\/construire-au-futur-habiter-le-futur.assoconnect.com\/page\/1412516-home\">Building in the Future, Living in the Future<\/a>) explores how this type of approach can be deployed on an industrial scale.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p>Reinforced concrete structures from the early 20th century, such as Eug\u00e8ne Freyssinet's bridges and Pier Luigi Nervi's hulls, proved that it was possible to build ambitious, optimized and durable structures in reinforced concrete. These ideas, which are all too technical and complex for today's environment, can be revisited using robotics, off-site approaches, and even additive manufacturing. For example, without disrupting current regulations, it is possible to print frameworks with complex shapes that allow for the creation of optimal reinforced concrete elements. In collaboration with architect Marc Dalibard, XtreeE, a company specializing in the 3D printing of mortars, proposed molds for complex-shaped architectural posts for a gymnasium at a secondary school in Aix-en-Provence (Krypton 2016 project). A joint project with ISC-Vinci allowed the Navier laboratory team to test this type of concept at \u00c9cole nationale des ponts et chauss\u00e9es <a href=\"https:\/\/enpc.hal.science\/hal-02485770v1\">for the design of hollow-core reinforced concrete beams<\/a>. In line with Eurocode recommendations, they were produced on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.buildin-enpc.fr\/\">Build'In<\/a> regional technology platform7 and used up to 40% less concrete (left). Experiments on the Grand Paris construction sites and a similar approach for floors are underway with ISC-Vinci (right). One of the initiatives of the TIGA project \"Construire au Futur, Habiter au Futur\" (<a href=\"https:\/\/construire-au-futur-habiter-le-futur.assoconnect.com\/page\/1412516-home\">Building in the Future, Living in the Future<\/a>) explores how this type of approach can be deployed on an industrial scale.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/gallery","attrs":{"linkTo":"none","sizeSlug":"full","images":[],"ids":[],"shortCodeTransforms":[],"columns":0,"caption":"","imageCrop":true,"randomOrder":false,"fixedHeight":true,"linkTarget":"","allowResize":false,"aspectRatio":"auto","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","borderColor":"","layout":[],"anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[{"blockName":"core\/image","attrs":{"id":4644,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","blob":"","url":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg","alt":"","caption":"Manufacturing a prototype, the printing phase of clay frameworks.","lightbox":[],"title":"","href":"","rel":"","linkClass":"","width":"","height":"","aspectRatio":"","scale":"","linkTarget":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-image size-full","style":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Manufacturing a prototype, the printing phase of clay frameworks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Manufacturing a prototype, the printing phase of clay frameworks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Manufacturing a prototype, the printing phase of clay frameworks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/image","attrs":{"id":4646,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","blob":"","url":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image2_JFCaron.jpg","alt":"","caption":"An optimized beam for a parking lot in Drancy (S.Maitenaz, ISC- VINCI Construction)","lightbox":[],"title":"","href":"","rel":"","linkClass":"","width":"","height":"","aspectRatio":"","scale":"","linkTarget":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-image size-full","style":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image2_JFCaron.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4646\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An optimized beam for a parking lot in Drancy (S.Maitenaz, ISC- VINCI Construction)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image2_JFCaron.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4646\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An optimized beam for a parking lot in Drancy (S.Maitenaz, ISC- VINCI Construction)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image2_JFCaron.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4646\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An optimized beam for a parking lot in Drancy (S.Maitenaz, ISC- VINCI Construction)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"}],"innerHTML":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n\n<\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">",null,"\n\n",null,"<\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4644\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Manufacturing a prototype, the printing phase of clay frameworks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image2_JFCaron.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4646\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An optimized beam for a parking lot in Drancy (S.Maitenaz, ISC- VINCI Construction)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"level":3,"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":"Reinforced printed concrete","levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Reinforced printed concrete<\/h3>\n","innerContent":["\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Reinforced printed concrete<\/h3>\n"],"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Reinforced printed concrete<\/h3>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"The use of 3D printing in the construction sector is promising but remains limited to non-structural applications. Mortars and concretes are brittle and have low tensile strength, making them non-compliant with regulatory standards. To explore this path further, we need to rethink constructive solutions as a whole, since the structures usually printed are thin or hollow, and less massive. At the same time, traditional reinforcement techniques (reinforcement, fibering) need to be re-evaluated and adapted to 3D printing.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>The use of 3D printing in the construction sector is promising but remains limited to non-structural applications. Mortars and concretes are brittle and have low tensile strength, making them non-compliant with regulatory standards. To explore this path further, we need to rethink constructive solutions as a whole, since the structures usually printed are thin or hollow, and less massive. At the same time, traditional reinforcement techniques (reinforcement, fibering) need to be re-evaluated and adapted to 3D printing.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>The use of 3D printing in the construction sector is promising but remains limited to non-structural applications. Mortars and concretes are brittle and have low tensile strength, making them non-compliant with regulatory standards. To explore this path further, we need to rethink constructive solutions as a whole, since the structures usually printed are thin or hollow, and less massive. At the same time, traditional reinforcement techniques (reinforcement, fibering) need to be re-evaluated and adapted to 3D printing.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p>The use of 3D printing in the construction sector is promising but remains limited to non-structural applications. Mortars and concretes are brittle and have low tensile strength, making them non-compliant with regulatory standards. To explore this path further, we need to rethink constructive solutions as a whole, since the structures usually printed are thin or hollow, and less massive. At the same time, traditional reinforcement techniques (reinforcement, fibering) need to be re-evaluated and adapted to 3D printing.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"Initiatives to print pre-fibered mortars are giving good results, but extrusion complicates the technique, and the potential fiber content remains low.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p><br>Initiatives to print pre-fibered mortars are giving good results, but extrusion complicates the technique, and the potential fiber content remains low.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p><br>Initiatives to print pre-fibered mortars are giving good results, but extrusion complicates the technique, and the potential fiber content remains low.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p><br>Initiatives to print pre-fibered mortars are giving good results, but extrusion complicates the technique, and the potential fiber content remains low.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"An original solution to the problem combining traditional know-how in cement with more recent expertise in composite materials and structures has been proposed by the Navier laboratory. A composite is an intricate mix of matrices and fibers that can be considered a material \u201cof equivalent homogeneity\u201d that has its own mechanical properties. Flow-based pultrusion3 is a new process that has been developed and patented, in which a composite is extruded in the form of a cementitious matrix strand reinforced with just 3 to 6% (in volume) of long fibers of glass, basalt, carbon or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). The fibers are driven directly to the extruder head by the mortar flow without any additional motorization, making it very easy to manage and control the laying of the reinforced strand (see below). ","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p><br>An original solution to the problem combining traditional know-how in cement with more recent expertise in composite materials and structures has been proposed by the Navier laboratory. A composite is an intricate mix of matrices and fibers that can be considered a material \u201cof equivalent homogeneity\u201d that has its own mechanical properties. Flow-based pultrusion<sup data-fn=\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\" id=\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d-link\">3<\/a><\/sup> is a new process that has been developed and patented, in which a composite is extruded in the form of a cementitious matrix strand reinforced with just 3 to 6% (in volume) of long fibers of glass, basalt, carbon or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). The fibers are driven directly to the extruder head by the mortar flow without any additional motorization, making it very easy to manage and control the laying of the reinforced strand (see below). <\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p><br>An original solution to the problem combining traditional know-how in cement with more recent expertise in composite materials and structures has been proposed by the Navier laboratory. A composite is an intricate mix of matrices and fibers that can be considered a material \u201cof equivalent homogeneity\u201d that has its own mechanical properties. Flow-based pultrusion<sup data-fn=\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\" id=\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d-link\">3<\/a><\/sup> is a new process that has been developed and patented, in which a composite is extruded in the form of a cementitious matrix strand reinforced with just 3 to 6% (in volume) of long fibers of glass, basalt, carbon or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). The fibers are driven directly to the extruder head by the mortar flow without any additional motorization, making it very easy to manage and control the laying of the reinforced strand (see below). <\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p><br>An original solution to the problem combining traditional know-how in cement with more recent expertise in composite materials and structures has been proposed by the Navier laboratory. A composite is an intricate mix of matrices and fibers that can be considered a material \u201cof equivalent homogeneity\u201d that has its own mechanical properties. Flow-based pultrusion<sup data-fn=\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\" class=\"fn\"><a href=\"#8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d\" id=\"8b752ae6-a962-4a77-8386-a4d07469692d-link\">3<\/a><\/sup> is a new process that has been developed and patented, in which a composite is extruded in the form of a cementitious matrix strand reinforced with just 3 to 6% (in volume) of long fibers of glass, basalt, carbon or PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). The fibers are driven directly to the extruder head by the mortar flow without any additional motorization, making it very easy to manage and control the laying of the reinforced strand (see below). <\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/image","attrs":{"id":4648,"width":"423px","height":"298px","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none","align":"center","blob":"","url":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image3_JFCaron.jpg","alt":"","caption":"A patented device for printing continuous-fiber mortar.","lightbox":[],"title":"","href":"","rel":"","linkClass":"","aspectRatio":"","scale":"","linkTarget":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized","style":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image3_JFCaron.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4648\" style=\"width:423px;height:298px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A patented device for printing continuous-fiber mortar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","innerContent":["\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image3_JFCaron.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4648\" style=\"width:423px;height:298px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A patented device for printing continuous-fiber mortar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"],"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image3_JFCaron.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4648\" style=\"width:423px;height:298px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A patented device for printing continuous-fiber mortar.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p><\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p><\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p><\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"However, parameters such as friction, shear threshold and mortar viscosity must be carefully managed to ensure that the fibers are properly soaked and driven. Initial bending and tensile results on reinforced samples are promising. With 3% of fibers aligned in the direction of the strand, the highly oriented material combines improved tensile strength (2.5 times that of the non-reinforced material) and up to 2% tensile ductility, a significant figure achieved through multi-cracking. Current work is focusing on the use of higher percentages of fiber (6 to 10%) and the durability of the structures thus created. A collaborative project with XtreeE is underway to develop an industrial printing head for continuous-fiber mortars.","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>However, parameters such as friction, shear threshold and mortar viscosity must be carefully managed to ensure that the fibers are properly soaked and driven. Initial bending and tensile results on reinforced samples are promising. With 3% of fibers aligned in the direction of the strand, the highly oriented material combines improved tensile strength (2.5 times that of the non-reinforced material) and up to 2% tensile ductility, a significant figure achieved through multi-cracking. Current work is focusing on the use of higher percentages of fiber (6 to 10%) and the durability of the structures thus created. A collaborative project with XtreeE is underway to develop an industrial printing head for continuous-fiber mortars.<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>However, parameters such as friction, shear threshold and mortar viscosity must be carefully managed to ensure that the fibers are properly soaked and driven. Initial bending and tensile results on reinforced samples are promising. With 3% of fibers aligned in the direction of the strand, the highly oriented material combines improved tensile strength (2.5 times that of the non-reinforced material) and up to 2% tensile ductility, a significant figure achieved through multi-cracking. Current work is focusing on the use of higher percentages of fiber (6 to 10%) and the durability of the structures thus created. A collaborative project with XtreeE is underway to develop an industrial printing head for continuous-fiber mortars.<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p>However, parameters such as friction, shear threshold and mortar viscosity must be carefully managed to ensure that the fibers are properly soaked and driven. Initial bending and tensile results on reinforced samples are promising. With 3% of fibers aligned in the direction of the strand, the highly oriented material combines improved tensile strength (2.5 times that of the non-reinforced material) and up to 2% tensile ductility, a significant figure achieved through multi-cracking. Current work is focusing on the use of higher percentages of fiber (6 to 10%) and the durability of the structures thus created. A collaborative project with XtreeE is underway to develop an industrial printing head for continuous-fiber mortars.<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/heading","attrs":{"textColor":"red","textAlign":"","content":"Towards construction 4.0","level":2,"levelOptions":[],"placeholder":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"align":"","className":"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color","style":"","backgroundColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Towards construction 4.0<\/h2>\n","innerContent":["\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Towards construction 4.0<\/h2>\n"],"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-red-color has-text-color\">Towards construction 4.0<\/h2>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/paragraph","attrs":{"align":"","content":"These few examples of additive manufacturing are just the first 4.0 avenues open to manufacturers to tackle the conundrum described in the introduction. The industry's slow pace of automation leaves us with no choice but to \"modernise or die\", as confirmed by the most recent report commissioned by the French Ministry of Housing, which notes that the USA, Italy and France are the most off-track among developed economies. Given the high variability of the tasks in the construction industry, the concepts and single-task robots pioneered in the 1980s (Single Task Construction Robot) have proved unsuitable and now limit the degree of complexity of the potential applications. Modularity is a real technological issue. Rapidly reconfigurable plants that incorporate a range of processes, such as 3D printing, machining and quality control and operate close to the construction site, are essential if we are to meet the economic and environmental challenges we face. This will considerably reduce non-quality costs on site (estimated at between 10% and 30%, compared with 1% in industry).","dropCap":false,"placeholder":"","direction":"","lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","gradient":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":"","anchor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"\n<p>These few examples of additive manufacturing are just the first 4.0 avenues open to manufacturers to tackle the conundrum described in the introduction. The industry's slow pace of automation leaves us with no choice but to \"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Farmer-Review.pdf\">modernise or die<\/a>\", as confirmed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecologie.gouv.fr\/sites\/default\/files\/Rapport%20construction%20hors-site_VF_Janvier%202021.pdf\">most recent report commissioned by the French Ministry of Housing<\/a>, which notes that the USA, Italy and France are the most off-track among developed economies. Given the high variability of the tasks in the construction industry, the concepts and single-task robots pioneered in the 1980s (Single Task Construction Robot) have proved unsuitable and now limit the degree of complexity of the potential applications. Modularity is a real technological issue. Rapidly reconfigurable plants that incorporate a range of processes, such as 3D printing, machining and quality control and operate close to the construction site, are essential if we are to meet the economic and environmental challenges we face. This will considerably reduce non-quality costs on site (estimated at between 10% and 30%, compared with 1% in industry).<\/p>\n","innerContent":["\n<p>These few examples of additive manufacturing are just the first 4.0 avenues open to manufacturers to tackle the conundrum described in the introduction. The industry's slow pace of automation leaves us with no choice but to \"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Farmer-Review.pdf\">modernise or die<\/a>\", as confirmed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecologie.gouv.fr\/sites\/default\/files\/Rapport%20construction%20hors-site_VF_Janvier%202021.pdf\">most recent report commissioned by the French Ministry of Housing<\/a>, which notes that the USA, Italy and France are the most off-track among developed economies. Given the high variability of the tasks in the construction industry, the concepts and single-task robots pioneered in the 1980s (Single Task Construction Robot) have proved unsuitable and now limit the degree of complexity of the potential applications. Modularity is a real technological issue. Rapidly reconfigurable plants that incorporate a range of processes, such as 3D printing, machining and quality control and operate close to the construction site, are essential if we are to meet the economic and environmental challenges we face. This will considerably reduce non-quality costs on site (estimated at between 10% and 30%, compared with 1% in industry).<\/p>\n"],"rendered":"\n<p>These few examples of additive manufacturing are just the first 4.0 avenues open to manufacturers to tackle the conundrum described in the introduction. The industry's slow pace of automation leaves us with no choice but to \"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Farmer-Review.pdf\">modernise or die<\/a>\", as confirmed by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ecologie.gouv.fr\/sites\/default\/files\/Rapport%20construction%20hors-site_VF_Janvier%202021.pdf\">most recent report commissioned by the French Ministry of Housing<\/a>, which notes that the USA, Italy and France are the most off-track among developed economies. Given the high variability of the tasks in the construction industry, the concepts and single-task robots pioneered in the 1980s (Single Task Construction Robot) have proved unsuitable and now limit the degree of complexity of the potential applications. Modularity is a real technological issue. Rapidly reconfigurable plants that incorporate a range of processes, such as 3D printing, machining and quality control and operate close to the construction site, are essential if we are to meet the economic and environmental challenges we face. This will considerably reduce non-quality costs on site (estimated at between 10% and 30%, compared with 1% in industry).<\/p>\n"},{"blockName":"core\/footnotes","attrs":{"lock":[],"metadata":[],"className":"","style":"","backgroundColor":"","textColor":"","fontSize":"","fontFamily":"","borderColor":""},"innerBlocks":[],"innerHTML":"","innerContent":[],"rendered":""}],"seo":{"title":"Printing constructions?"},"media":{"img":"<img width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>","src":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/image_JFCaron-scaled.jpg"},"url":"\/en\/articles\/printing-constructions\/","related":{"post":[],"author":[{"title":"Jean-Fran\u00e7ois Caron","url":"\/en\/authors\/jean-francois-caron\/","id":"4709","media":"<img width=\"60\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Jean-Francois-Caron-60x60.png\" class=\"attachment-author-thumb size-author-thumb wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Jean-Francois-Caron-60x60.png 60w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Jean-Francois-Caron-150x150.png 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 60px) 100vw, 60px\" \/>","slug":"jean-francois-caron"}],"subject":[{"title":"Cities, Urban planning &#038; Construction","url":"\/en\/subjects\/cities-urban-planning-construction\/","id":"936","media":"<img width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ecole-des-ponts-webmagazine-ville.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ecole-des-ponts-webmagazine-ville.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ecole-des-ponts-webmagazine-ville-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ecole-des-ponts-webmagazine-ville-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Ecole-des-ponts-webmagazine-ville-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>","slug":"cities-urban-planning-construction"}],"category":[{"title":"Article collection","url":"\/en\/articles\/category\/dossier\/","id":"1720","media":"","slug":"dossier","_related_post_type":"folder"}],"folder":[{"title":"Construction 4.0","url":"\/en\/folders\/construction-4-0\/","id":"4730","media":"<img width=\"1788\" height=\"943\" src=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/bandeau.png\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/bandeau.png 1788w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/bandeau-300x158.png 300w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/bandeau-1024x540.png 1024w, https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/bandeau-768x405.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1788px) 100vw, 1788px\" \/>","slug":"construction-4-0"}]},"translated":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/articles\/imprimer-des-constructions\/","icon":"icon-article","duration":"6","custom_excerpt":"Given the environmental emergency, growing needs and the shortage of labor, the construction industry needs to reinvent itself. Digital technology, 3D printing, robotization, new materials and design offer promising possibilities for tackling these challenges while facilitating more sustainable constructions.<br>","duration_type":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4710","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4710"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4710\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8979,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4710\/revisions\/8979"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4644"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4710"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"article-types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ingenius.ecoledesponts.fr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article-types?post=4710"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}