Researchers at the University of New Mexico (UNM) are pioneering the development of a groundbreaking material: bendable concrete designed for 3D printing. This innovative material has the potential to transform construction by improving durability, reducing waste, and offering versatile applications across various design disciplines.

Why Bendable Concrete Matters
Traditional concrete, though strong in compression, is brittle and prone to cracking. This poses significant challenges in infrastructure maintenance, particularly in high-stress applications such as buildings, bridges, and pavements. Bendable concrete, however, incorporates materials that allow it to flex under stress, mitigating cracks and extending its lifespan.

This innovation not only reduces maintenance costs but also enhances sustainability by lowering the need for frequent repairs and resource-intensive replacements.

Advanced Material Composition
The UNM team has developed a unique composite material that combines ultra-ductile concrete with self-reinforcing fibres. These fibres provide tensile strength, enabling the material to withstand bending and stretching. The formulation ensures ease of extrusion during 3D printing without clogging the printer or compromising structural integrity.

The bendable concrete also demonstrates exceptional performance in seismic zones and other areas subject to extreme stresses, offering safer and more resilient solutions for disaster-prone regions.

Applications in Design
For architects, interior designers, and landscape architects, bendable concrete opens up exciting possibilities. The material allows for the creation of intricate and lightweight structures, enabling innovative designs that were previously difficult or impossible with conventional concrete. Additionally, its sustainability features make it an appealing choice for eco-conscious projects.

Product designers may also find applications in designing durable, customizable components for furniture or urban installations, where strength and flexibility are crucial.

Towards a Circular Future
In line with sustainability goals, the material is designed to reduce waste throughout its lifecycle. The use of fibres derived from recycled or renewable sources further enhances its environmental profile. By integrating these principles, bendable concrete supports the shift towards circular design practices in the construction and design industries.

Next Steps
The development of bendable concrete for 3D printing has been supported by grants from various institutions, including Sandia National Laboratories and the NSF Center for Bio-mediated and Bio-inspired Geotechnics. Future research will focus on scaling production and optimizing material properties to meet diverse design and construction needs.

This innovation marks a significant step toward smarter, more sustainable materials that redefine what’s possible in design and construction.

Source: University of New Mexico
Photo: University of New Mexico