Russian startup renca launches géobeton geocement for 3D printing construction
In Irkutsk for the first time in Russia successful tests of géobeton (geopolymer concrete) geocement were made in printing constructions on a mobile 3D printer. A Russian-Italian company Renca Rus, LLC has elaborated and tested various compositions of geobeton based on geopolymer binder for 3D printing on the mobile construction 3D printer from Apis Cor.
This experience is unique. Both technologies are targeting the market and both companies believe that the future is in fast and eco-friendly construction. Tests have shown the high efficiency of geobeton. Due to its specific composition the mixture is ideal for 3D printing. This shortens time of construction and houses can be built within hours.
The elaborated formula of geobeton is the most suitable for 3D printing processes due to a higher thixotropy, fluidity and an ability to adjust the setting time, with consistently high mechanical strength (compressive strength reaches 100 MPa and more). Moreover, geobeton is a cost-efficient eco-friendly material thanks to the use of industrial byproducts.
Renca Rus engineers plan to modify compositions of the mixtures to adjust them both for the hot climate and severely cold temperatures, as well as to create mixtures on the base of various local raw materials in the regions of Russia and worldwide. This will enable the company to optimize the costs and properties of geobeton and to efficiently implement it with the mobile construction 3D printer by Apis Cor.
With the population growth and corresponding increase in the demand for concretes and cements, ecological aspects become a major concern of this generation. Introduction of the geopolymer technology in the production of concrete and cement can provide the following environmental benefits by reducing CO2 emissions up to 90% in the production process. It also can lead to at least 60% less impact on the environment as a result of the extraction of raw materials, while also using wastes and by-products of the existing industries.
The environment must be protected by preventing dumping of waste and by-product materials in uncontrolled manners and by significantly decreasing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Interest towards green and sustainable building has grown in Russia in recent years.
Application of Geocement in construction completely corresponds to the LEED certification system for green buildings and gives an ability to gain additional points. Buildings constructed with Geocement produced by Geobeton company would earn additional LEED points compared to conventional construction materials.
Green building brings together a vast array of practices, techniques, and skills to reduce and ultimately eliminate the impacts of buildings on the environment and human health. It often emphasizes taking advantage of renewable resources, e.g., using sunlight through passive solar, active solar, and photovoltaic equipment, and using plants and trees through green roofs, rain gardens, and reduction of rainwater run-off. Many other techniques are used, such as using low-impact building materials or using packed gravel or permeable concrete instead of conventional concrete or asphalt to enhance replenishment of ground water.
A green building is one which uses less water, optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building. Considering the tremendous bene ts that it offers, green building concept is gaining major importance in the world. By adopting Green methodologies we would be able to reduce the carbon footprint and would be helping the environment.
Construction industry is one of the major consumers of natural resources such as cement, sand, rocks, clays and other fossils. The ever increasing unit cost of usual ingredients of concrete have forced the construction engineers to think of ways and means of reducing the unit cost of its production. At the same time, increased industrial activity in the core sectors like energy, steel and transportation has been responsible for the production of large amounts of by-products such as fly-ash, blast furnace slag, silica fume and quarry dust with consequent disposal problem.
