Research Projects

The construction industry recycles 80 percent of demolished building scrap, leading to material loss and design complexities. Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques, such as Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), are efficient and cost-effective for construction. However, current research focuses on commercially available filler wires, which are expensive and contribute to carbon emissions. The team hypothesizes that recycled steels can be used as wire feedstock for WAAM, achieving a more carbon-neutral manufacturing environment. The research aims to define the potential of using WAAM with recycled steels as an alternative design for construction, documenting the process, benchmarking recycled steels, documenting WAAM using recycled steel, and achieving new designs for modular construction. This project aims to define filler wire manufacturing conditions, transfer technology for cost-effective filler wire manufacturing, simplify remelting procedures, promote sustainable steel structures, reduce construction costs, supplement modular construction, preserve archaeological heritage, promote the circular economy, and generate knowledge. It addresses applications like providing affordable housing to low-income households and providing temporary transportable accommodations during emergencies. Modular construction is also incorporated into high-rise buildings.