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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Siam Cement Group (SCG) has been a key player in the field of construction 3D printing since as early as 2014, when it released a 3D printable cement mortar material made from a combination of cement powder, recycled materials, and natural fibers.
Since then, it has helped to create a number of impressive 3D printed concrete structures, including “Helix – the Family Cocoon” in 2015, and the “Y-Box Pavilion 21st century Cave,” which was created in partnership with Thai architect Pitupong Chaowakul and consisted of six 3D printed structural beams.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2541″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Even more recently, SCG worked with Thai designer Anon Pairot to create a set of 3D printed concrete garden furniture. The collection, named “Fluctuation of Precision,” consists of a 3D printed sofa, tables, and rock garden.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2542″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]SCG’s latest “Triple S” project is a large-scale structure that showcases Surface, Structure, and Shelter design concepts (hence the triple “S”).
The hut-shaped structure measures 3 x 3.5 x 3 meters and is notable for bringing the design and 3D printing stages of production even closer together. “Unlike previous developments,” the company explains. “The design and 3D printing technology platforms work side-by-side.”
More specifically, rather than integrate load-bearing and functional design elements into the structure’s inner layers, which is more common, the “Triple S” building integrates a new “surface transformation to function” feature which gives the outer layer of the structure the same structural performance as the inner layers, or truss.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2543″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”2544″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”2545″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Of course, this does not mean that the outer layer of the wall disregards aesthetic design, as the building’s outer pattern is based on the “moving paths” of load-bearing concrete structures. The delicately woven texture of the outer wall thus “can perform in both aesthetic and structural functions.”
The three meter tall building, which was erected for demonstration purposes more than for practical use, was 3D printed from SCG’s lightweight concrete material. According to SCG, the building’s structure is actually more lightweight that traditionally made concrete structures and even previous 3D printed concrete structures because the “new surface transformation to function” system utilizes less material.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2546″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”2547″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”2548″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”2549″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]This, says the company, is because “a double structure cladding system used in [Glass reinforced concrete] technology is needed in order to support the weight itself for a more sustainable technique.”
As a leading Southeast Asian construction materials company, SCG has situated itself at the cutting edge of concrete 3D printing. “Triple S” is its latest step towards 3D printing livable concrete structures.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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The AM Chronicle Editorial Team is a collective of passionate individuals committed to delivering insightful, accurate and engaging stories to additive manufacturing audiences worldwide.
