Modern Contractor Solutions November 2024 - 22

technology solution
3D PRINTING
Geopolymer
Materials
for Construction
future of sustainable building
A
ccording to the World Economic
Forum, the construction industry
accounts for about 27 percent of
global carbon emissions, and traditional
cement accounts for 8 percent of global
carbon emissions. These emissions can
be mitigated by using more sustainable,
local materials and through 3D printing.
Geopolymer International specializes in
the research, development, and production
of geopolymer-based sustainable
construction materials.
" When compared to traditional
construction methods, 3D printing can be
more environmentally friendly in three key
ways, " explains Geopolymer CEO Tarek
Maassarani. " First, 3D printing is an additive
process, meaning materials are deposited
layer by layer, using only as much material
as needed. This avoids all the waste resulting
from on-site cutting, trimming, and fitting of
materials in traditional construction.
" Second, innovative new 3D printing
materials, such as our geopolymers, can be
locally sourced, release significantly less
carbon emissions in production, incorporate
industrial and demolition waste, and last
longer-even through fire, flood, and
hurricane. All of these are considerable gains
for sustainability.
" Finally, traditional construction methods
involve multiple stages of assembly and
transportation, from raw materials to finished
22
NOVEMBER 2024
By Peter Berk
products. 3D printing materials shrink supply
chains, with a corresponding reduction in fuel
consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. "
RANGE OF BENEFITS
Geopolymers offer a wide range of benefits
such as greater strength, durability, and
weather resistance, and 3D printing allows
for sophisticated and customized designs.
Geopolymer International offers a true
geopolymer building material, which emits
80 percent less carbon dioxide than Portland
cement. Geopolymers are made from locally
sourced minerals, such as metakaolin
from the Carolinas, and can be used in a
range of construction projects to increase
sustainability, decrease emissions, and cut
construction costs.
Furthermore, Geopolymer International's
new collaboration with Constructions-3D, a
pioneer in 3D printing, takes the innovation
in construction one step further by offering
construction companies and developers new
models of 3D printers.
MAXIPRINTER
The MaxiPrinter is making waves throughout
the industry, having printed the largest 3D
printed building in the world (a Guinness
world record) in Dubai (2023), the tallest
building printed in 3D within the Citadelle
des Savoir-Faire (2024), and the first French
building printed in 3D within the Citadelle
des Savoir-Faire (2019). The MaxiPrinter has
no height limitations as it can be lifted to the
next floor. It is fast, mobile, compact, precise,
economical, suited for all-terrain, and can be
used for indoor and outdoor construction. It
can print with an internal diameter minimum
of 16.4 feet and a maximum of 45.27 feet for
a structure of 12.63 feet in height.
It has a usual printer speed of 3.945.91
in/s and a usual maximum vertical
construction speed of 0.98-1.97 ft/h, though
the parameter will be defined by the material
used. The printer comes in a kit that includes
one MaxiPrinter, an automated pumping
system, a automated silo kit, remote-control
screen, and C3D Slicer Software.
MINI TRUSS PRINTER
Geopolymer International also makes gantry
or overhead-style printers with stage trussing,
using different truss, motor/controllers,
drives, and operating systems to customize
the dimensions, functions, and strength of
the printer to every builder's needs. The
company sells or leases truss printers as
kits at the most competitive prices in the
industry, making them perfect for universities
and those eager to gain experience with
3D construction printing before making a
larger investment.
for more information
Geopolymer International is engaged in
research, development, and production of
geopolymer-based sustainable construction
materials, alongside the equipment
to mix and print them. For more, visit
www.geopolymerinternational.com.
www.mcsmag.com
Modern Contractor Solutions November 2024

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