IIT Guwahati researchers construct 3D printed security post using industrial waste

NEW DELHI: A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) have constructed a 3D printed security post using a special M40 grade sustainable concrete containing industrial wastes, fibers and chemical admixtures.

The research team, Dodda Srinivas, Dhrutiman Dey and Akshay Sahu, launched a startup company, Stratify 3D private limited, were under the mentorship of IITG, assistant professor, Biranchi Panda. This team developed the technology in line with the AatmaNirbhar Bharat vision of prime minister Narendra Modi.

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The security post was built in collaboration with the Institute Infrastructure, Planning and Management team and claims to be sustainable in terms of construction practice, and material composition. The project's on-site assembly and technology demonstration was also showcased during the Y20 Inception Meet at IIT Guwahati. After this, IIT Guwahati, officiating director, Parameswar K Iyer handed over the security post to the security personnel.

The features of the 3D security post includes a carpet area of 85 square feet consisting of 56 modules, printed custom-designed tetrahedron modules having overhang features of 22 degrees and embossed features up to 40 mm.To print the overhanging features successfully, a sustainable concrete mix design was prepared with different combinations of accelerator and retarder.

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The modules were printed using an automated concrete 3D printer in 15 hours and later assembled on-site using a special bonding agent. This required a mix of new sustainable materials derived from industrial wastes with multi-functionality properties.

Speaking about the unique features of this 3D printed security post, IITG, assistant professor, Biranchi Panda said: “In this project, we addressed aesthetic potential of digital construction technology while utilizing sustainable construction materials. Material and surface texture demonstrate the remarkable aesthetic possibilities of concrete printing technology used for the security post-construction”.

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While speaking about Industry 4.0 as a priority of G20 under India’s presidency, IIT Guwahati, officiating director, Parameswar K Iyer, 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."