3D printed artificial coral reefs: design and manufacture

Abstract

Applying 3D concrete printing (3DCP) technology to design and manufacturing can create a diverse configuration of the marine landscape. However, this combination of 3D technology and artificial coral products is still in the initial stage of research and application. Therefore, this study introduces a novel design shape model, bridging theory and experimental models. Two innovative design models have been presented, and one has been manufactured and assembled based on the optimal assembling process. The paper aims to propose a design shape model for artificial coral reefs that employs innovative 3D concrete printing technology to create rough surfaces with openings and cavities similar to those found in natural rocks. The proposed design shape for artificial coral reefs, successfully trialed in this research, can be used as a reference model. The procedure for essential works, including drawing, printing, assembling, and some techniques, is helpful for understanding and implementing the works presented in the study. The application of 3D concrete printing technology to an artificial reef fulfills an identified need and plays a crucial role in marine ecosystem restoration and protecting endangered habitats, thereby making a significant social impact while promoting sustainable development in construction. This paper fulfills an identified need to apply 3D concrete printing technology to manufacturing artificial coral reefs.

References

[1] WangY, et al. . Applications of additive manufacturing (AM) in sustainable energy generation and battle against COVID-19 pandemic: The knowledge evolution of 3D printing. Journal of Manufacturing Systems, 2021, 60: 709-733

[2] Souza, E. (2020). Rethinking artificial reef structures through 3D clay printing. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.archdaily.com/947495/rethinking-artificial-reef-structures-through-3d-clay-printing

[3] GamageK, FawziaS, ZahraT, TeixeiraMBF, RamliSulongNH. Advancement in sustainable 3D concrete printing: A review on materials, challenges, and current progress in Australia. Buildings, 2024, 14(2): 494

[4] Yoris-Nobile, A. I. et al. (2023). Artificial reefs built by 3D printing: Systematisation in the design, material selection and fabrication. Construction and Building Materials, 362(4), 129766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129766.

[5] Frearson, A. (2014). Chinese company 3D prints 10 buildings in a day using construction waste. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://www.dezeen.com/2014/04/24/chinese-company-3d-prints-buildings-construction-waste/

[6] Sarah, S. (2018). Robotic 3D printed Yhnova house officially inaugurated, tenants to move in soon. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://3dprint.com/207936/3d-printed-yhnova-house-done/

[7] 3dsourced. (2024). The 12 most exciting 3D printed house builds 2022. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://www.3dsourced.com/guides/3d-printed-house-2/

[8] Alter, L. (2018). 3D printed house displayed at milan design week. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://www.treehugger.com/d-printed-house-displayed-milan-design-week-4853575

[9] Stinson, L. (2019). World’s largest 3D-printed building completed in Dubai. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://archive.curbed.com/2019/12/30/21035765/world-largest-3d-printed-building-dubai-apis-cor

[10] Handley, M. V. (2013). Guidelines for the Placement of Artificial Reefs 43, no. 4. https://doi.org/10.1163/157180897x00266.

[11] MatusIV, AlvesJL, GóisJ, Vaz-PiresP, Barata da RochaA. Artificial reefs through additive manufacturing: A review of their design, purposes and fabrication process for marine restoration and management. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2024, 30(11): 87-122

[12] ZimmermanTL, MartinJW. Artificial Reef Matrix Structures (Arms): An inexpensive and effective method for collecting coral reef-associated invertebrates. Gulf Caribbean Research, 2004, 16(1): 59-64

[13] Avery S. (2024). Preserving our oceans with 3D printing: an overview of current projects. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.3dnatives.com/en/how-are-3d-printed-coral-reef-projects-revitalizing-marine-biodiversity-10-08234/#!

[14] Build an Artificial Reef. Retrieved September 5, 2024, from https://www.instructables.com/Build-an-Artificial-Reef/

[15] XiaoJ, et al. . 3D recycled mortar printing: System development, process design, material properties and on-site printing. Journal of Building Engineering, 2020, 32: 101779

[16] ZhaoY, et al. . Development of low-carbon materials from GGBS and clay brick powder for 3D concrete printing. Construction and Building Materials, 2023, 383: 131232

[17] TeongTKL, et al. . Marine bioreceptivity among green concretes. Ecological Engineering, 2024, 204: 107284

[18] Hou S., Duan Z., Xiao J., & Ye J. (2021). A review of 3D printed concrete: Performance requirements, testing measurements and mix design. Construction and Building Materials, 273, 121745. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121745.

[19] BouzoubaâN, FournierB. Optimization of fly ash content in concrete. Cement and Concrete Research, 2003, 33(7): 1029-1037

[20] JhatialA, SohuS, BhattiNK, LakhiarMT, OadR. Effect of steel fibres on the compressive and flexural strength of concrete. International Journal of Advances in Applied Sciences., 2018, 5(10): 16-21

[21] Sinha, D., & Verma, A. (2017). Investigation on the effect of varying dosages of steel fibre on the strength and workability properties of high strength concrete. In C. D. Modhera, G. J. Joshi, D.P Soni, Indrajit N. Patel, A. K. Verma, L. B. Zala, S. D. Dhiman, D. R. Bhatt, Jagdish M. Rathod, Bhargav C. Goradiya, Mehfuza S. Holia & Dharita K. Patel (Eds), International Conference on Research and Innovations in Science, Engineering and Technology. Selected Papers in Civil Engineering, vol 1 (pp: 352–356). https://doi.org/10.29007/rjbd.

[22] PhamLT, et al. . Development of 3D printers for concrete structures: Mix proportion design approach and laboratory testing. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment., 2022

[23] DingT, XiaoJ, ZouS, WangY. Hardened properties of layered 3D printed concrete with recycled sand. Cement and Concrete Composites., 2020, 113: 103724

[24] DingT, XiaoJ, ZouS, ZhouX. Anisotropic behavior in bending of 3D printed concrete reinforced with fibers. Composite Structure., 2020, 254: 112808

[25] DingT, XiaoJ, ZouS, YuJ. Flexural properties of 3D printed fiber-reinforced concrete with recycled sand. Construction and Building Materials, 2021, 288: 123077

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

The Author(s)