A Path Planning Optimization Framework for Concrete Based Additive Manufacturing Processes

Abstract

Concrete based Additive Manufacturing (AM) is an emerging technological sector including numerous potential application fields, varying from buildings to facades and furniture. Path planning optimization of Concrete based AM is considered as a milestone, towards further automation and utilization of the technology. The current study presents a modular framework for the holistic multi-level optimization of path planning for concrete AM. Steps are described in detail and include strategies for the selection of a near optimum path and selection of acceptable process parameters, along with controlling actions of a cable robot based concrete AM process head. Also, following outcomes derived from the path strategy, an appropriate building block geometry is generated through design successive approximations. These building blocks fulfil (mechanical and thermal) functional requirements as well as they meet buildability criteria, with emphasis on minimizing idle times. Finally, a software platform supporting the aforementioned activities has been implemented and is presented herein. It provides an interface based on Web-Services, achieving portability of data and functionalities.