IIT Guwahati constructs 3D printed security post using industrial waste

The security post was built in collaboration with the institute infrastructure, planning and management team and is claimed to be sustainable in terms of construction practice, and material composition.

A 3D printed security post installed at IIT Guwahati. Image source: IIT Guwahati

As a part of the G20 initiatives, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati innovators have constructed a 3D printed security post using a special M40 grade sustainable concrete containing industrial wastes, fibers and chemical admixtures.  

A team of Dodda Srinivas, Dhrutiman Dey, and Akshay Sahu, started a startup Stratify 3D Pvt Ltd under the mentorship of Biranchi Panda, assistant professor, IIT Guwahati. The technology developed at IIT Guwahati is ready to provide customised houses in India in less construction time with controlled quality. 

The security post was built in collaboration with the institute infrastructure, planning and management team and is claimed to be sustainable in terms of construction practice, and material composition. The 3D security post has a carpet area of 85 square feet and consists of 56 modules. For the first time, the team printed custom-designed tetrahedron modules having overhang features of 22 degrees and embossed features up to 40 mm.  

In order to print the overhanging features, a special sustainable concrete mix design (patent pending) was prepared with different combinations of accelerator and retarder that meets the demanding theological and mechanical performance requirements of 3D printed structure. The modules were printed using an automated concrete 3D printer in 15 hours and later assembled on-site using a special bonding agent. 

Biranchi Panda said, “In this project, we addressed aesthetic potential of digital construction technology while utilising sustainable construction materials. Material and surface texture demonstrate the remarkable aesthetic possibilities of concrete printing technology used for the security post-construction.” 

Prof Parameswar K Iyer, Officiating Director, IIT Guwahati, said, “As technology advances, it is essential that India's youth be prepared to compete on a global scale. The tech industry can play a crucial role in preparing India's youth for global competition by providing industry-academia collaboration, and entrepreneurial support. Advancements in technologies such as ‘additive manufacturing', also known as 3D printing, using sustainable and locally available resources enables new location-specific designs and modern economical structures." 

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