Archinect - News2024-05-15T22:09:03-04:00https://archinect.com/news/article/150416828/production-begins-on-the-world-s-tallest-3d-printed-structure
Production begins on the world’s tallest 3D printed structure Niall Patrick Walsh2024-02-16T11:40:00-05:00>2024-03-15T01:45:58-04:00
<img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/04/043c9c24613c9f049621155cee48c964.jpg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>Production has begun on a <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/475/3d-printing" target="_blank">3D printed</a> tower in Switzerland, which is expected to be the tallest structure of its kind in the world. Named the ‘Tor Alva’ or ‘White Tower,’ the project is currently being fabricated at <a href="https://archinect.com/ethz" target="_blank">ETH Zurich</a>, where the first eight columns of the tower’s lower floor commenced 3D printing in February.</p>
<figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/9a/9af6daeedf03ed4ecb62070c8bceb8d9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/9a/9af6daeedf03ed4ecb62070c8bceb8d9.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=514"></a><figcaption>Image credit: Hansmeyer/Dillenburger</figcaption></figure></figure><figure></figure><p>The columns’ fabrication sees a <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/58982/robot" target="_blank">robot</a> extrude the concrete in 8mm-high layered print paths. In a departure from traditional concrete construction, the 3D printing process means formwork is no longer required, freeing new avenues for the team to experiment with shapes, surface details, and cavities. The tower will also be the first instance of printed concrete being used in a fully structural manner, with steel reinforcement inserted during the robotic production process.</p>
<figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/d7/d7329832c76c66aec117b5c7e03b3aed.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/d7/d7329832c76c66aec117b5c7e03b3aed.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&w=514"></a><figcaption>Image credit: R. Masallam</figcaption></figure></figure><p>The tower will be constructed in the remote <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/4057/switzerland" target="_blank">Swiss</a> Alps village of Mulegns, where it will host music and theater performances. At 98 feet (nea...</p>