3D Printing Concrete Directly From Mixer Truck
Is on site batch plant mixing obsolete? I recently spent 3 weeks in Calgary Canada commuting daily into the indigenous territory of the Siksika nation
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Is on site batch plant mixing obsolete? I recently spent 3 weeks in Calgary Canada commuting daily into the indigenous territory of the Siksika nation
Is On-Site Batch Plant Mixing Obsolete? A Revolutionary Shift in construction Automation
The construction industry is on the cusp of a revolution, driven by innovative technologies and companies willing to challenge the status quo. One such company, Nidus 3D, has been pushing the boundaries of construction automation in the region of Calgary, Canada. In this article, we'll delve into the evolution of on-site batch plant mixing and the potential obsolescence of this traditional method.
The Evolution of On-Site Batch Plant Mixing
On-site batch plant mixing has been the standard practice in the construction industry for decades. However, this method has its limitations. In extreme climates, such as the one found in Calgary, Canada, the batch plant mixer can struggle to operate efficiently, resulting in issues with the generator and pump. These problems can force the team to halt printing operations for the day, leading to costly delays and lost productivity.
The Rise of Off-Site Batch Mixing
Nidus 3D has been at the forefront of this revolution, collaborating with Lafarge to develop a new solution. Instead of hydrating the dry mix on site, they batch mix the custom concrete at the Lafarge concrete plant an hour away and deliver it to the site in a regular mixing truck. The material is then deposited into a pump with sufficient precision to feed the printer.
This approach has the potential to dramatically increase the availability of printable material and reduce labor on site. By outsourcing material mixing and hydration, larger concrete companies can handle one of the dirtiest parts of the job, reducing airborne silica dust and creating safer working conditions.
The Primary Challenge: Truck time on Site
The primary challenge with this strategy is the length of time the truck is required on site. Typically, these trucks dump their load as quickly as possible to move on to the next job site and maximize their earnings. This can result in significant hourly charges, making it costly to keep the truck on site for an entire print day.
Preserving the Benefits: Material Silos
One potential solution to navigate the hourly concrete truck charges is the use of material silos that can hold the wet mix in a printable state through agitation or chemical means. This would allow the truck to return to the plant to refill, rather than waiting on site. Material silos would enable the truck to return to the plant, reducing the need for extended on-site waiting times and minimizing the financial burden.
Conclusion
Nidus 3D's innovative approach to off-site batch mixing is a testament to the company's commitment to driving construction automation forward. While on-site batch plant mixing has its challenges, the benefits of off-site mixing, including reduced labor and safer working conditions, make it an attractive alternative.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more companies adopting similar solutions. The future of technology will not come from copying the status quo, but from those willing to try new things that have never been achieved before.