New Technologies Environmental Challenges in Construction Industry

7TH SEMESTER DISSERTATION
Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management
NEW TECHNOLOGIES & ENVIRONMENTAL

CHALLENGES IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
FRANK GERGAUD
Consultant: ANDERS PETERSEN
VIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Horsens Campus,
DENMARK
March 2016
NEW TECHNOLOGIES & ENVIRONMENTAL
CHALLENGES IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
© Frank Gergaud
VIA University College,

Horsens Campus,
Denmark
Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction
Management
7th semester
Consultant: Anders Petersen
Author: Frank Gergaud
1 copy – Arial, 12 size

March 27, 2016
Student identity number: 219547
27 pages – approx. 2685 characters / page
All rights reserved – no part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the
author.
NOTE: This dissertation was completed as part of a Bachelor of Architectural Technology and
Construction Management degree course – no responsibility is taken for any advice, instruction
or conclusion given within!
March 2016
7th semester dissertation
ABSTRACT
This report deals about the impacts (economical, social, employment,
environmental, etc…) of new technologies in building industry field, especially, BIM
(Building Information Modeling) and 3D printing. This subject is very important for
the author to be developed. Indeed, the sector is currently at the border of a new
industrial revolution which can radically change the way of working in design and
construction process. Right now, we have to be aware of the impact of new
technologies in the construction industry because of all potential progress they can
bring. The principal aim of this report is to understand, how new technologies can
change the building industry & reduce environmental footprint?
First of all, the author gives explanation, throws his research, shows his own
experience in the construction sector and study case, the BIM’s potential, the impact
of this new technology in design and construction process and the issues a company
can have during the transition process. Then, he explains, with depth analysis and
professional’s point of view, the 3D printing technology in the construction industry
field. Basically, he describes the 3D printing technology and its impact. Then, the
author focuses the last part of the report on the environmental impact in the
construction industry sector of these new technologies (BIM & 3D printing).
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to all the
companies involved in my research. Apis Cor and especially Konstantin Nefedev
(customer service representative | Представитель отдела обслуживания
клиентов - Apis Cor), for giving me precious advice about 3D printing technology in
the construction sector, Joe Fallon Design with Joe Fallon, Eric Stilwell, Patrick
Nolan and Michael O’Brien for sharing their experience and knowledge about CAD
and BIM technology; Anders Petersen for his promptness and availability. Moreover,
I’m thankful to Jamie Helkie, Miriam Chauvel and Trayko Biserkov (Трайко
Бисерков) for proofreading my report.
KEYWORDS:
Innovative technology, Building Information Modeling, 3D
printing, environmental issue, industrial revolution.
p. 1
March 2016
CONTENTS
I. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Background ............................................................................................... 5
1.2 Perspective ............................................................................................... 5
1.3 Problem statement .................................................................................... 5
1.4 Research questions................................................................................... 5
1.5 Delimitation ............................................................................................... 6
1.6 Choice of theory ........................................................................................ 6
1.7 Choice of research methodology ............................................................... 6
1.8 Structure of the report ............................................................................... 7
II. Building Information Modeling.......................................................................... 8
1.1 BIM – a productivity solution ..................................................................... 8
1.1.1 BIM overview ...................................................................................... 8
1.1.2 BIM dimension .................................................................................... 8
1.1.3 BIM maturity level ............................................................................... 8
1.1.4 BIM’s benefits ..................................................................................... 9
1.2 Implementing BIM in a company ............................................................. 10
1.2.1 Technical & financial issues .............................................................. 10
1.2.2 Delivery methods issues ................................................................... 11
1.2.3 Law issues ........................................................................................ 12
1.2.4 CAD to BIM in a real company.......................................................... 13
1.3 Case study: DesignLAB architects .......................................................... 14
1.3.1 About the company ........................................................................... 14
1.3.2 Project: New Dance and Visual Arts Center ..................................... 15
1.3.3 BIM Issues: Interoperability and information exchange .................... 15
1.4 Conclusion .............................................................................................. 16
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March 2016
III. 3D printing .................................................................................................. 17
1.1 3D printing nowadays .............................................................................. 17
1.2 Implementing 3D printing ........................................................................ 18
1.2.1 Economic impact .............................................................................. 18
1.2.2 Employment impact .......................................................................... 18
1.2.3 Architecture & environmental impact ................................................ 18
1.3 3D printing & Model-making in architecture office ................................... 19
1.4 3D printer technology .............................................................................. 19
1.4.1 Printing process ................................................................................ 19
1.4.2 Apis Cor ............................................................................................ 20
1.4.3 Other 3D printer ................................................................................ 23
1.5 Conclusion .............................................................................................. 24
IV. Construction industry and environment ...................................................... 25
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 25
1.2 BIM for sustainable design ...................................................................... 26
1.2.1 BIM a sustainable tool ...................................................................... 26
1.2.2 Green BIM adoption.......................................................................... 26
1.2.3 Green BIM in an architecture office .................................................. 27
1.2.4 Conclusion ........................................................................................ 28
1.3 3D printing for sustainable design ........................................................... 29
V. Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 30
VI. List of references ........................................................................................ 32
VII. Enclosures .................................................................................................. 34
1.4 Interview with Apis Cor Engineering ........................................................ 34
1.4.1 Recording on the interview: .............................................................. 34
1.4.2 Transcript the whole interview: ......................................................... 34
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March 2016
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Picture 1: BIM in Europe ........................................................................................ 9
Picture 2: Responsible for protecting data on a BIM project ................................. 12
Picture 3: JFD Team (4 full time & 2 interns) ........................................................ 13
Picture 4: New Dance and Visual Arts Center ...................................................... 15
Picture 5: APEC 3D Printed villa .......................................................................... 16
Picture 6: 3D printing process .............................................................................. 17
Picture 7: Model-making ....................................................................................... 19
Picture 8: Apis Cor 3D printer ............................................................................... 20
Picture 9: Contour Crafter (Contour Crafting's printer) ......................................... 23
Picture 10: Aerial rendering of the pool. ............................................................... 23
Picture 11: Multi-dome will construct based on 3D printing concept..................... 24
Picture 12: Buildings day at COP21 ..................................................................... 25
Picture 13: Influence of factors behind start in green BIM practice (firm type) ..... 26
Picture 14: Timing expected to green BIM market penetration ............................. 27
Picture 15: PUC Building ...................................................................................... 27
Picture 16: Typical plan light penetration for PUC building ................................... 28
p. 4
March 2016
I. INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
This report has been written as a compulsory part of the 7th semester elective
subject in the Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management
education at VIA University College, campus Horsens, Denmark. This report deals about
the impacts of using new technologies in the construction industry such as BIM (Building
Information Modeling) and 3D printing. Actually, how innovative technology can become the
new way of working for the construction industry sector and be an opportunity in respect to
zero emission?
1.2 PERSPECTIVE
I chose this subject because during my study in civil engineering and
architecture in Europe, I discovered all the potentials of new technology in
construction industry field and realized the gap between European countries. In
France, I had heard a few about BIM technology and I never had the opportunity to
study BIM software (such as Revit). I became aware of the difference between
countries in Europe when I moved to Denmark for my Bachelor in Architectural
Technology and Construction Management. Actually, Denmark has adopted BIM for
the public market since 2007, while in France, it is expected to be in 2017, 10 years
later. As I decided to continue my studies abroad, it gave me the chance to open
my mind and encounter other ways of working with other technologies in the
construction area. This is one of the reasons I have decided to focus my report on
new technologies as BIM and 3D printing.
Moreover, I’m aware of the current environmental challenges and I know that
the construction field is one of the biggest greenhouse gas and CO2 emitters. My
main preoccupation is to be able in the near future to design an environmentally
friendly house. In fact, having good quality building is essential for the well-being
and life quality of the citizens. I believe that new technologies can be an essential
tool to have building more energy efficient and more affordable. That’s one of the
reasons, I’ve decided to deal with new technologies and their environmental impact.
1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

• How new technologies can change building industry field & reduce
environmental footprint?
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• Why is BIM going to be used all around the world?
• How to implement BIM for a CAD company and what is the difference?
• How 3D printing can be adopted in the construction process?
• Where is 3D printing’s evolution so far?
• What are the impacts of BIM & 3D printing into the design and construction
process?
p. 5
March 2016
• How new technologies can also be beneficial for our environment and also
be an essential tool of delivering green building?
1.5 DELIMITATION
The report is limited to the principles of new technologies in construction
industry which will radically change the design and the construction processes:
Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D printing.
The report focus on the impact of these new technologies in construction
industry and explains briefly how the technology works. The goal of the report is to
appreciate the importance of this technology and to help the readers (professional,
clients, students, teachers, researchers, etc…) to understand better the difference
between the traditional construction sector and the construction sector using these
new technologies. I chose to avoid the description of how to use BIM software and
how 3D printers work. As, they are new and in constant development, they will be
different as they will mature.
1.6 CHOICE OF THEORY

The study is based mainly on qualitative research. Since this technology is
relatively new, I wanted to have an opinion from professionals working or concerned
with this innovative technologies. Books from VIA University College Library and
internet research have been used to support the qualitative research.
Furthermore, through my own experience in construction field in Europe
(since 14 years old, I studied Civil Engineering & Architectural Technology in
France, Denmark and Ireland) and my professional network, I was able to learn
more about the impact of new technology in the current construction industry. All
references used are written down at the end of this report, section: List of references.
1.7 CHOICE OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research for this report starts with an analysis of 2 books (“Building
Information Modeling” and “Architectural model making”) from VIA University
College Library, campus Horsens, Denmark. Then, several websites were consulted
in order to continue in depth the research about Building Information Modeling and
3D printing. The research from websites helped me to gather more information, for
the study case about BIM, such as for DesignLAB architects (company which has
adopted BIM since its beginning in 2005) or to know more about different 3D printing
technologies available or that will be available on the market as Contour Crafting,
WinSun, Apis Cor, etc…
Moreover, I contacted via Skype or by phone, professionals in the building
industry field concerned and working with this innovative technologies. Apis Cor
Engineering, a 3D printer company for construction industry, answered technical
questions about its new generation of 3D printer and Joe Fallon Design shared its
experience about CAD and BIM to help me to understand all the impacts this new
technology can have.
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March 2016
1.8 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT

The report is structure into 3 main parts in a way to separate the description of
each innovative technologies (BIM & 3D printing) and the environmental aspects of
these new technologies. I’ve chosen to separate the report like this, in order to
optimize the comprehension of those technologies and make the environmental
aspects of new technologies a significant part.
Building Information Modeling is the first new technology I explain in my report
because this new technology is more advanced than 3D printing in terms of maturity.
BIM is already used in some countries as an obligation to get public contract. 3D
printing is currently at research stage and only a few companies start to test the 3D
printing's potential. In the first part, I develop the goal of BIM and indicate the BIM’s
maturity level (Implementation of BIM in Europe, stage of the evolution of BIM, future
innovations in this technology, etc…). Then, I describe all modifications that will
appear because of the implementation of BIM in the construction industry field. To
conclude my research, in the last part of BIM, I illustrate with some concrete cases
the impact of BIM technology (Joe Fallon Design and DesignLAB architects).
The second part focuses on 3D printing. I explain the current maturity level of
3D printing, the benefits of this technology and all the effects that it will probably
have on the construction industry sector. Then, I expose different 3D printer
technologies such as the one of Apis Cor, Contour Crafting, WinSun, etc… Actually,
it’s mainly about Apis Cor 3D printer because of the Skype interview with the
customer service representative.
To conclude my report, as environmental impact is getting more and more
important in building industry field and because I’m interested to participate in the
reduction of environmental footprint of our building in the future, I’ve chosen to
explain the environmental impact of these new technologies. At first hand, I clarify
the BIM’s ecological impact. At second hand, I demonstrate how 3D printing can
reduce environmental footprint, even if this technology is still in development and
only in its inception by introducing it on the construction market.
p. 7
March 2016
II. BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING
1.1 BIM – A PRODUCTIVITY SOLUTION

1.1.1 BIM overview
Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a major innovation in the Building
industry field. BIM is not only a new 3D Modeling technology but a new way of
working which will radically change the way of construction because it is an
integrated database of construction information used by all disciplines. 3D BIM
model provides 3D visualization, automatically 2D drawings, time schedules, cost
estimation, building life cycle analysis and sustainable solutions. Some
professionals say, BIM is the evolution of CAD (Computer-Aided Design) such as
CAD was the evolution of hand drawings.
The main goal of BIM is to share information easily among all members of
the design and construction team (Architect, engineer, contractor, etc…). Therefore,
improving the communication between all stakeholders which can reduce
miscalculations and misunderstandings, or even eliminate redundant data creation.
Thus, clients save time and money. It is a common tool for better coordination.
1.1.2 BIM dimension

BIM is more than 3D modeling technology and we can separate the BIM’s
potential in other dimensions, such as:
• 2D: We still work with 2D drawings because it makes more sense to
understand the plans and it’s easy to draw.
• 3D: Basically, in 3D dimension, we just add height of each elements and we
get quantity takeoff, drawings, cross-section, elevations, 3D view, etc…
• 4D (time): The fourth construction dimension is integration of the time needed
for the project. Thus, Site manager, Quantity Surveyor (QS), etc… can
understand the duration of a project and follow the construction progress.
• 5D (cost): The fifth construction dimension is estimation. By incorporating
material price data we can efficiently estimate the cost of a project because
we already know the quantity takeoff (3D) and the time required (4D).
• 6D & 7D: These two dimensions still remain slightly unclear. The sixth
dimension will look at life cycle feasibility studies while the seventh dimension
will focus on maintenance and deconstruction. However, we have not yet
discover the true potential of the software and we can imagine, BIM as a
powerful tool to reduce environmental footprint for the coming buildings.
1.1.3 BIM maturity level
The main goal of BIM is to have a fully integrated 3D Building Information
Model which gives us the possibility to work at the same time on the same BIM
model with all stakeholders in the design and construction phase. Until now, the
technology is not yet available to reach this level 3 of the BIM maturity level.
However, we are on the BIM level 2 of the BIM maturity level which already gives
us the possibility to work in collaboration with all disciplines by using a common file
format IFC (Industry Foundation Class).
p. 8
March 2016
BIM is in constant development and probably will reach soon the main goal
of having a fully integrated 3D Building Information Model. Even now, BIM level 2
can be very profitable because it saves time and money. According to British
companies, it’s possible to achieve 20% cost savings in the design cycle with BIM.
BIM is already used in some
countries such as Finland, Denmark
and Norway, where BIM is a compulsory
program for all public markets. The
United Kingdom has done the same as
of January 2016. Moreover, a European
directive adopted in Brussels (28th
March 2014) recommends the use of
BIM in all public markets by 2017. BIM
becomes more and more important
around Europe. According to a report
from McGraw-Hill Construction Smart
Market in Western Europe (United
Kingdom, France & Germany), in 2010,
Picture 1: BIM in Europe 36% of AEC (Architects, Engineers &
(Made by Frank Gergaud, source: Polantis.info) Contractors) has adopted BIM.
1.1.4 BIM’s benefits

Building Information Modeling will improve the productivity in the construction
field by using better organization and communication. The main advantages of BIM
is being cheaper, greener and safer. Nowadays, it takes time to learn new 3D
modeling software (Revit or Archicad) and manage well the new organization, so it’s
difficult to show that it is truly effective yet. However, we can use the experience
from other countries such as Finland, known as the global leader.
 According to Finland expertise in housing construction, using BIM can :
o Increase the contribution margin to 45%
o Reduce scrap materials to 45%
o Reduce the number of accidents on Building sites to 5%
Swedish companies are also developing BIM technology for some important
projects. Skanska, one of the biggest construction companies in Sweeden is
currently working on the New Karolina Solna (Hospital in Solna, Stockolm). This is
the first Skanska project in Sweeden to have BIM requirements. This project consist
of 320 000 m² of gross area and 1.5 billion Euros (SEK 14.5 billion). According to
Andreas Udd (Project Manager at Skanska Installation, 2015) they have saved
about 1 000 hours work because of no redundant data creation:
“We will not only use BIM to do production calculations and quantity take-offs, but
also when we physically mark teledata in the project. We will let the designers use a
specially designed software that will allow us to save about 1,000 hours of double work.
All thanks to BIM.” Andreas Udd (Project Manager at Skanska Installation, 2015).
p. 9
March 2016
To work with BIM instead of CAD is interesting for projects like NKS’s project.
BIM saves time and money compared to CAD. However, transitioning from CAD to
BIM can be tricky and we will see into the coming parts all the technical, financial
and legal issues brought by transforming an architectural office to BIM.
1.2 IMPLEMENTING BIM IN A COMPANY

1.2.1 Technical & financial issues
BIM radically changes the building design and construction process and it’s
very important for a company which plans to successfully implement BIM to
consequently reorganize the way of working with new motivations, new goals, new
plans, new investments and also new projects delivery methods, new standards,
etc… There are many different ways and reasons to work with BIM. Indeed, BIM
can increase productivity, profitability, and offer new services but to do so it depends
on how the company implements it.
The motivation of the company is the first step of the transition. The European
directive can stimulate companies because it recommends BIM for use in all public
markets by 2017. However, private or public clients can also stimulate companies
by asking to have projects built with this new construction process. Using BIM for
projects can be a crucial element to get more contracts. Aside from the motivation
for the company to get more contracts, the benefits are multiple.
BIM can improve collaboration with all disciplines and produce fewer errors,
improve building design, improve sustainable building design, accurate cost
estimation, increase projects’ rentability, etc… The motivation to use BIM will
develop the strategy of the company around this new technology. The company
needs to determine its main strategy with BIM to properly implement this new
technology and also for more efficiency during the transition phase as well as
afterwards. For example, the company can be focused on improving quality of its
projects or can be focused on the rentability.
Naturally, the company has to elaborate new goals according to BIM’s
motivations and strategy. The firm needs to know which kind of projects, which
services to offer, and for which customers it will service. Moreover, BIM is a
collaborative way of working, the firm must know at which collaboration level
architects, engineers, contractors, QS, etc… will work together and how to do that.
It’s a total reorganization and a good anticipation that needs to be done. The goals
must be decided with all disciplines because it’s the foundation of the BIM.
The firm must create a plan to reach the goals and check the work progress
in the company in order to adapt or improve the new way of working. The plan has
to be approved by all the members of staff and consultants. Integrating BIM in
current projects should not be done alone but in connection with all members in the
construction field. The plan needs to be constantly updated according to the
feedback of the team and fix potential issues.
p. 10
March 2016
A new organization method means, to do important investments such as, buy

new software (Revit, Archicad, etc…), new tools (cost estimating programme works
with BIM, collaborative project management, energy calculation, etc…), new
hardware (more memory) because BIM files are heavier in comparison to CAD files.
The main crucial investment would be staff training because the benefits of
using BIM, mostly depend only on the staff working together with this new
technology. Senior employees have good knowledge of building construction but
less knowledge of software skills. Junior employees have less knowledge of building
construction but have good software skills learned at university. It’s important to
work together and to share our knowledge because we learn from each other. It is
also a financial issue and training staff is probably the most crucial investment for a
company which plans to work with BIM. The firm has to invest in training lessons for
staff and also hire a BIM manager for example, to take the lead in BIM projects and
also in sharing knowledge. Training staff is an issue and even more so for small
companies because there are a direct cost for training lessons and indirect cost,
staff will be less effective as before.
The transition from CAD to BIM must be prepared in upstream and in concert
with all stakeholders which is the goal of BIM, working together to be more efficient.
Moreover, the company may have to choose, according to its new strategy, which
project delivery method to use and also find a way to protect itself with the sharing
of data (shared responsibility) and collaboration work. Who is responsible for what?
1.2.2 Delivery methods issues

BIM may improve the collaboration in a project but it is dependant on the
strategy of the company and the project delivery methods. There are three main
project delivery methods with their particularity for the company’s strategy:
Designer
Designer
Design-
Owner Owner Owner
build team
Contractor
Contractor
Design/bid/build Design/build Integrated Project

Delivery (IPD)
In the traditional delivery method, the owner chooses his design team. Then
the bid, with design elements, is presented to some contractors and the owner
chooses his contractor according to his criteria (lowest price, quality of work, etc…).
There is no direct link between designer and contractor. BIM and the traditional
delivery method can aid in the communication between stakeholders during the
bidding process and reduce the request of information. It makes the architect more
focused on the design by having a better collaboration and coordination with the
owner. However, the design team and contractor have no direct communication so
the benefits of using BIM during the construction phase are not fully exploited.
p. 11
March 2016
The second project delivery methods, design/build is simpler for the owner
because the designer and contractor are regrouped in one team only, a DB team.
The owner just has to choose his DB team. Therefore, there is a better connection
with designer and contractor. Using BIM with this project delivery method reduces
misunderstandings and miscalculations. Furthermore, BIM is interesting at each
step of the building design and construction process, instead of the traditional
delivery methods. We can use BIM for cost estimating and scheduling the
construction phase for example.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a new kind of contract and regroups all
stakeholders to work together: owners, designer, contractor, suppliers, etc…. BIM
and IPD delivery methods work well together because the IPD contract gives a high
level of team collaboration which is important criteria for BIM. Despite the fact of a
high collaboration with IPD contract, the industry does not have enough experience
with this kind of contract and represents some risks because a tight collaboration
means they need to be sure that all team members make good team partners.
1.2.3 Law issues

There are plenty of ways to work with BIM depending on the strategy of the
company. Working with new technology also brings new law issues which can
influence the company to use or not use BIM technology. This industry does not yet
have enough experience to know all the aspects of lawsuits with BIM. Firstly, we
can suppose, all stakeholders have access to the same information, so using BIM
can reduce errors during the design process and anticipate conflicts before and
during construction process. It’s easier to check mistakes with the 3D visualization
(BIM) than only with 2D drawings (CAD).
Secondly, because BIM is a collaborative way of working new lawsuits can
appear such as with the shared responsibility. Actually, because everyone is
involved in this new building industry process and everyone generates data on the
BIM model, it is imperative to determine the shared responsibility of the owner,
architects, contractors, etc… Shared responsibility has to be decided before the
project begins, and the limits need to be clearly defined by everyone in the project.
Thus, all stakeholders know their responsibility and can focus on their BIM work.
Moreover, the project can be shared on a network or in a cloud storage and
companies still have to protect themselves against competitors or cyber-attack. This
makes projects more vulnerable if they are
available online for somebody else. It’s not a new
security issues but it makes it more complex for
firms to correctly protect their projects and there
can be lawsuits. Liability to maintain up-to-date
hardware and software is a new lawsuit because
of who is responsible as it is shared by different
stakeholders. It’s even more important if
company works with IPD delivery methods and
BIM because the collaboration is more important Picture 2: Responsible for protecting
than the other project delivery methods. data on a BIM project
Source: http://www.bimplus.co.uk/
p. 12
March 2016
In order to implement BIM into a company you have to know all the different
steps before handling the first BIM project. Strategy of BIM is the most important
because, it affects the overall results: the goals, plans to reach the goals, training
staff, software, delivery methods, etc… BIM is complex and there are many
possibilities with BIM. It takes time for a company to start the transitioning process
because of too much constraint.
There are many benefits of using BIM but at this time we don’t have enough
feedback and experience to convince all stakeholders to work with BIM. During my
practical placement last semester in Joe Fallon Design, the architectural office
worked with CAD and they didn’t feel the necessity to implement BIM because it
creates too much difficulty and investment. The main reason is because the other
stakeholders are not working with BIM either. This is vicious circle. However, in
collaboration with the company, I did a quick estimation of the BIM implementation
investment and the potential rentability of the technology.
1.2.4 CAD to BIM in a real company

All company’s data below are only estimation and do not involve the company.
Joe Fallon Design is an Irish

company with 4 full time employees based
in Bunclody (Co. Wexford, Ireland). This
company works on designing new houses
and houses extensions with projects located
mainly in Dublin. Joe Fallon Design has
worked up until now with CAD and use 3D
software such as Sketchup Pro and Cinema
4D for 3D visualization. The company
doesn’t work with BIM but knows the
potential of this technology. In this part of my
report, I will estimate briefly the initial
investment for the company to implement
BIM and BIM’s Return Of Investment (ROI).
Moreover, I will explain the potential issues
Picture 3: JFD Team (4 full time & 2 interns)
Source: http://www.joefallon.com/
of the company during the transition phase.
The financial aspect to implement BIM for a small architectural practice is

proportionally more important than a larger architectural firm. Indeed, time
allowance for training staff is productivity lost and cash flow lost, and is immediately
reduced for small company. Moreover, to get back the same work efficiency as
before, it can takes a while and is dependant of the new companys’ organization
and strategy in using BIM. Changing the project delivery method can also makes
the transition time longer but is a necessity with BIM. Joe Fallon Design uses mostly
Design/Build contracts because the company works in collaboration with Engineer,
QS and contractors. In this case, it will be more interesting for the company to keep
Design/Build contracts. The transition will be easier than using IPD contracts and
will still be interesting with BIM.
p. 13
March 2016
Initial investment has to be studied very carefully to get efficient equipment,

good training of staff, etc… Below there is an initial investment and BIM’s ROI
estimation:
 A: cost of hardware & software: 12 000€ (≈90 000dkk) (Project team work will
use Autodesk Revit on Microsoft Windows).
 B: Approximately monthly labor costs: 2 500€ (≈20 000dkk)
 C: Training time: 4 months
 D: Productivity lost during training time: 50%
 E: Productivity gain after training: BIM can save 20% for the design cycle cost.
Estimation for Joe Fallon Design of the BIM’s ROI for the first year:
𝐵𝐵 2500
�𝐵𝐵 − � �� × (12 − 𝐶𝐶) �2500 − � �� × (12 − 4)
1 + 𝐸𝐸 1 + 0.2
= = 0.20 (𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹𝑹 = 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐%)
𝐴𝐴 + (𝐵𝐵 × 𝐶𝐶 × 𝐷𝐷) 12000 + (2500 × 4 × 50)
The ROI’s estimation is 20% for the first year which is good. This estimation
gives us an idea of the initial investment and the Return Of Investment. Even a small
company can increase its benefits by using BIM. However, because it’s a new
collaborative way of working all stakeholders have to do the transition together. Joe
Fallon Design works with other consultants and some of them have just started their
own businesses. Implementing BIM can be very profitable but in other ways can
also bring too much complication. Until now, Joe Fallon has not wanted to implement
BIM because of the many risks it poses to the company and its consultants, to have
less projects during the transition process. Implementing BIM in a company has
significant benefits (20% savings for the design cycle cost) but also brings many
issues and seems more complex to use BIM for small project in a small company.
Moreover, it makes less productivity during the transition process and BIM still
needs to be improve (better interoperability are coming). Nowadays, it’s hard
especially for small company to be involved on this innovative technology because
of the inexperience of the building industry with BIM. However, it can be a
competitive tool such as for DesignLAB architects.
1.3 CASE STUDY: DESIGNLAB ARCHITECTS

1.3.1 About the company
DesignLAB architects is a Boston-based architecture firm founded in 2005.
The company has worked with BIM since the beginning for all it’s building design
processes and works in tight collaboration with owners, contractors and consultants
on every project. There are 14 employees plus Robert Miklos (Founder) and Sam
Batchelor (Partner). DesignLAB architects is a small architectural practice but by
using BIM the company can work on larger and complex projects. For example,
DesignLAB architects worked on the Claire T. Carney Library which is one of the
biggest projects designed by the company (160 000 sqft ≈ 15 000 m² of renovation).
New dance and visual arts center in Greenburg (Pennsylvania - USA) is the latest
finished project from the company and we will go over the details of it on this report
because of it’s challenging aspects.
p. 14
March 2016
1.3.2 Project: New Dance and Visual Arts Center

DesignLAB architects have
designed the new Dance and Visual Arts
Center at Seton Hill University in
Greenburg. This project is 4 500m²
(45 000 – 50 000 sqft) and was started
in the summer of 2012 with the design
phase and was completed with the
construction phase in 2015. This project
was completed by using BIM for the
design and construction process.
DesignLAB architects have been
Picture 4: New Dance and Visual Arts Center
Source: http://www.designlabarch.com/
working in ArchiCAD 17.
It was a challenging project for 2 main reasons. The project was located
outside the state of Massachusetts where the company is based so it was difficult
to find local partner in the project location. Partners are important for a good
collaboration and are the main criteria of a successful BIM’s project. The company
worked with the architect partner BSHM Architects of Ohio, and a construction
manager, PJ Dick of Pittsburgh. The second difficulty was because of the
interoperability of the software. Their consultant works with Revit. The issue was
fixed by regular meetings (bi-weekly) and with IFC files which creates the bridge
between softwares. Mary Moscarello (2015, Metal Architecture) states that:
“designLAB overcame challenges related to budget constraints and timeline demands”.
Even if difficulty was apparent by using BIM this project was a great success.
1.3.3 BIM Issues: Interoperability and information exchange

DesignLAB architects have chosen to use Graphisoft’s ArchiCAD 17 but are
probably working now with the latest version of ArchiCAD (version 19). DesignLAB
is using Macintosh to work with ArchiCAD. The choice of software and hardware are
really important because of the interoperability and information exchange (IFC files).
Actually, to work in collaboration properly, the BIM model needs to be
accessible for everyone with the same information. Between the theory and the
practice there is a difference because there are some problems to translate BIM
model from other software. Indeed, even by exchanging data with IFC files, some
of the information are lost. For instance, Revit and ArchiCAD, 2 main BIM softwares,
do not work exactly in the same way. ArchiCAD is using layers to regroups all
elements with the same characteristics together (beams, walls, windows, etc…). It’s
possible to filter elements of the drawings when there is a lot of information. It makes
it easier to understand the drawings. On the other hand, Revit does not use layers
and that’s a problem when it’s a complex project. From DesignLAB’s experience,
the only way to fix the interoperability until now is to provide 2D drawings in addition
to the 3D BIM model on IFC format. IFC file is currently improving to facilitate the
data exchange. The latest IFC version is IFC4 Add1 from august 2015. IFC4 Add1
improves and simplifies geometric representation for the composite curves, for
example. The issue of layers is not yet fixed with IFC files but we can expect it in
the coming, new IFC version.
p. 15
March 2016
1.4 CONCLUSION
Despite the technical, financial, project delivery methods and law issues, BIM
is an excellent new way of working. The higher degree of collaboration with all
disciplines reduces time spent for modification of drawings and calculations. 2D
drawings, cost estimation and time schedules are provided by the 3D BIM model
directly and updated according to modification in the 3D BIM model. It takes time for
companies like Joe Fallon Design to adopt this new way of working because it needs
to convince all its consultants to do the same but not impossible.
A survey from McGraw-Hill Construction, states that in 2013, 17% of
companies around the world were using BIM for at least 60% of their projects. Last
year, companies were using BIM increase up to 36% (+19% of BIM users in 2 years).
BIM will be a standard tool in the design and construction process into the coming
years. The study case of DesignLAB architects show us the potential of BIM in a
real architecture office. Even a small company can work on big projects with BIM
technology. The issues with BIM nowadays will probably be obsolete in the coming
months or years because of the constant technological progress.
BIM definitely changes the building industry field and companies have
already started to implement BIM in the design and construction process. The
construction industry is currently changing deeper and will be even more important
with the coming new technologies like 3D printing. In fact, 3D printing is a brand new
technology used for medicine, aeronautic industry (Airbus used for 10 years 3D
printing), automobile industry, etc… In Architecture, 3D printing is used for model-
making and some companies are starting to work on houses construction in China
for instance. 3D printing it’s only at its beginning but should take an important place
in a few years. We can imagine to printing our house plans directly from the 3D BIM
model.
Picture 5: APEC 3D Printed villa

Source: http://www.yhbm.com/
p. 16
March 2016
III. 3D PRINTING
1.1 3D PRINTING NOWADAYS

Nowadays, a lot of common products are built automatically by computers
(cars, shoes, laptops, etc…). Construction industry field is one of the biggest sectors
using humans (110 million employees according to International Labour
Organization) and not yet implementing robotics in the construction process. This
sector is the most dangerous for workers because of the work conditions (height,
excavations, noise, dust, power tools, electricity, etc…). According to Eurostat,
approximately more than one in five (22.2 %) fatal accidents at work in the EU-28 in
2012 took place within the construction sector. Moreover, UN-Habitat estimates that
people who are currently living in slum conditions have increased up to 863 million
people (760 million in 2000). The worldwide population is rising, in 2015, it was
around 7.4 billion and should increase up to 9.7 billion in 2050 according to DESA
report, “World Population Prospects: The 2015 Revision”. The worldwide population
will concentrate in urban areas (54% of the global population was living in an urban
area in 2014, up from 34% in 1960 according to World Health Organization).
Therefore, there will be an accommodation issue, with the population growing so
fast, the construction industry field will consequently have to be improved.
For accidents at work, high construction costs, rising of the worldwide
population, global warming and dwindling natural resources (sand, etc…), new
technology such as 3D building printing has been developed to fix these issues.
Indeed, 3D printing is innovative technology which will revolutionize the building
industry if research continues. Until now, 3D printing has been used for model-
making and helping architects, designers and clients to have a better idea about the
building’s design. However, some companies are currently working on the
development of 3D building printing for real buildings and can expect to
commercialize 3D building printers for the construction industry for the coming
months/years. Winsun, a Chinese company specializes in research and
development for building materials and 3D building printing, has already printed 10
houses in only 1 day.
More recently, the
company has printed a 6
multi-storey building and 1
villa with 1 100 m². By using
3D printing for real
construction we can already
imagine all the impact of this
innovative technology in the
construction process. It’s an
economic impact, an
environmental impact, an
architectural impact and an
employment impact. Picture 6: 3D printing process
p. 17
March 2016
1.2 IMPLEMENTING 3D PRINTING

1.2.1 Economic impact
3D printing will propose building cheaper and faster than the traditional
construction sector. 3D printing houses can be built in only one day compared to
few months for a traditional house. It’s approximately 20% of the cost which is
reduced due to short project length. Moreover, 3D printers are very precise so we
can build thicker walls than ordinary concrete walls, 25% of cost reduced due to less
quantity of material needs. Then, the main economic impact is due to less labor
needs on building site. It’s estimating between 50% to 70% of cost reduction,
depending of the 3D printer used.
1.2.2 Employment impact

3D printing reduces time and cost of the construction process by replacing
workers on building sites by a robot which automatically creates the building by
following the drawings made by the design team. It’s the same process as for other
manufacturing, it’s CAD/CAM process (Computer-Aided Design / Computer Aided
Manufacturing). In fact, 3D printing Reduces the number of workers on the building
site can be an advantage but also an inconvenience. The advantage will be,
significantly reduced fatal accidents and injuries during the construction process and
the cost of labor as well. On the other hand, it can be an inconvenience because of
increase in unemployment rate. According to Dr. Behrokh Khoshnevis, inventor of
Contour Crafting technology (see CC’s part), with 3D printing, new job opportunity
will be create and make it easier for women to integrate this sector. They will have
less or no need of workers but more needs for “creative activities” as Dr. Behrokh
Khoshnevis indicates. Actually, in the construction industry field the gender equity
is still not respected. Martin Williams, journalist at The Guardian explained that in
United Kingdom (UK) in 2015, women represent only 11% of the entire workforce in
the construction sector (all job related to construction field, design, management,
secretary, etc…) and 99% workers on building site are men. Therefore, by using this
new technology women rates in construction field should increase.
The employment impact with 3D printing in the construction industry sector
might be compared to the agriculture. In France, in 1955, 6.2 million people were
working in agriculture sector (31% of employment in France). In 2000 only 1.3 million
people were working in agriculture sector (4.8% of employment in France).
Innovative technology in the agriculture field impacts the productivity of the sector
and reduces the need of employees. It should be the same for 3D printing and other
innovative technology in the construction industry field. Even so, if 3D printing will
create new job opportunities it will definitely reduce the needs of employees and we
don’t know yet all the possible consequences.
1.2.3 Architecture & environmental impact
3D printing gives more flexibility for designers and architects that they have
never seen before.
There is less need of raw materials, reduce energy consumption during the
construction process, less or zero waste emission and even the raw material can be
sustainable for the environment (See 3D printing for sustainable design).
p. 18
March 2016
1.3 3D PRINTING & MODEL-MAKING IN ARCHITECTURE OFFICE

3D printing is well known for model-making in architecture offices because
it’s quicker and very precise compared to model-making by hand. During my work
placement in Joe Fallon Design, we did model-making by hand and we were
interested in 3D printing. As a matter of fact, we tried to use this technology and I
made a 3D model of a house for 3D printing. However, after negotiation with a 3D
printing company the price to print a model of a house was too expensive and not
as flexible as we wanted (restriction of textures, colors, etc…).
So it was 2 weeks of work by hand for the
house’s model (see picture N°7). In comparison, it
took me, 4 days to learn and realize the 3D model
for 3D printing on SketchUp. Even, if not printed with
3D printer, I believe that 3D printing is quicker and
more precise than by hand. The price is, for now, an
Picture 7: Model-making
issue and it limits the development of 3D printing. Source: http://www.joefallon.com/
There are many ways of producing model-making by 3D printing. The most
common 3D printing process uses a bio-plastic. The 3D printer warms up to 200°C
this wire forms bio-plastic. The softened bio-plastic settle in the previous layers (it’s
print layer by layer according to the data from the CAD drawings, Rhino, Blender or
SketchUp are CAD software available for 3D printing). Then, the bio-plastic cools
down and hardens and the model-making is done. There is also, 3D powder printing
which is another 3D printing method for prototyped models.
1.4 3D PRINTER TECHNOLOGY

1.4.1 Printing process
The printing process at this moment is not completely autonomous and depends on
the type of printer. Workers still need to be on site and participate for installation of the
printer and other tasks during the printing process. For a traditional 3D print house:
• 1 step: Identify space requirements for 3D printer
• 2 step: Excavate for foundation as traditional construction method
• 3 step: Install the printer with a crane, depending on the printer’s type:
o Printer crane-like: assembly and test on site.
o Printer gantry system: Install rails, assembly and test on site.
• 4 step: Raw materials (high performance concrete), is pump from the concrete
truck to the printer and at this time, the printer can start to print the building.
• 5 step: Printing start, it’s let by CAM for certain point of 3 dimensions of room.
• 6 step: Bridge to windows
o Printer crane-like: lintels are install manually.
o Printer gantry system: lintels are install by an arm robotic integrate to the 3D
printer (Need to be prefabricate and put near the printer to be install).
• 7 step: Ceiling installation for a second floor
o Printer crane-like: A crane install the ceiling as the traditional way.
o Printer gantry system: The arm robotic install the pre manufactured ceiling.
To completely finish the house, step 5, 6 & 7 are repeated and then installing the
roof instead a ceiling for another floor. This printing process is simplified, as 3D printer is
currently in development and without any experience in construction industry field.
p. 19
March 2016
1.4.2 Apis Cor
1.4.2.1 Apis Cor’s characteristics

Founded by a Russian engineer Nikita Chen-yun-tai in 2014, Apis Cor is a
Russian company specialized in Mechanical Engineering based in Irkutsk with office
in Moscow and San Francisco. Apis Cor is developing a 3D printer for construction
industry: “Apis Cor 3D printer”. This 3D printer can print a building in a single day!
Picture 8: Apis Cor 3D printer

Apis Cor 3D printer has designed a crane-like feature especially to be as

mobile and require as little assembly as possible. Apis Cor 3D printer is unique in
the market because of its small size. It measures 5.5m length by 1m width, 1.5m
height and weight 2.4 tons. Apis Cor 3D printer is compact, quick launch (30min to
be assembled), convenient transportation, large printing zone (up to 192m² and no
limitations for height), low energy consumption (only 8 kw of energy), cost effective
(saving up to 70% of frame construction costs in comparison with conventional
construction sector) & less or even no construction waste. According to the website
of the company, Apis Cor 3D printer seems to be one of the most easily and
economic 3D printers currently on the 3D building printing market.
On Tuesday March 8th 2016, Konstantin Nefedev (customer service
representative | Представитель отдела обслуживания клиентов - Apis Cor) and
I, talked about the potential of this product. Through the company’s’ website, I’ve
been connected with Konstantin Nefedev and get more information about Apis Cor
3D printer during a Skype meeting.
1.4.2.2 Skype meeting (Whole Skype interview in enclosures: CLICK HERE)
According to Konstantion Nefedev, 3D printing can change the design and
construction process because Apis Cor 3D printer is cost effective and
environmentally friendly compared to the traditional construction field. This printer
will automatically do the same tasks as workers. Humans can make mistakes and
be injured on the building site which creates cost extra. Using Apis Cor 3D printer
can help to reduce errors and make building more consistent and more affordable.
The main goal of Apis Cor 3D printer in the coming years is to be used by developed
country such as United States where the labor cost is important.
p. 20
March 2016
Moreover, the printer can also be environmentally friendly because the printer
can effectively reduce the amount of material needed for the construction and there
is a lot of less or even no waste generated during the construction process.
Apis Cor 3D printer is now in development and a final version of the printer
will be showed at the beginning of April this year (2016) in an exhibition in Moscow.
Apis Cor expects this product will become commercially available for construction
industry and will launch the printer to the construction market after the Moscow’s
exhibition. Konstantin Nefedev states that: “This month, we are conducting a test print
of a full building to polish of the technology and make some videos of how this process is
going to be, from start to finish, and as soon as we are done and we will be done at the end
of this month so in the beginning of April, we are going to an exhibition in Moscow”.
The 3D printer will be available soon for the construction market. It’s only a
first step of the 3D building printing development. As this is an innovative technology
which will radically change the construction process there are many questions and
issues to fix before fully printing a building with this technology. For instance,
currently there is some research about improving the printing materials. Nowadays,
there are several types of printing materials there are suitable for use with 3D
building construction. Apis Cor is using a mixture of concrete (regular concrete) with
fibers and some chemical additives which help the mixture to settle in quicker. The
mixture used allows the printer to make consecutive layers without stopping. The
layers harden fast enough for the printing to be continuous process so layers gain
enough strength not to deform under the weight of the wall printed. The final
hardness that has the maximum resistance of the concrete is however the same as
for a standard concrete (28 days).
However, the printing material currently employed and associated with the
3D building printing process can’t be enough in terms of resistance against
earthquakes or wind. It still needs to have the structure reinforced and pouring heavy
concrete so it can’t be done by the 3D printer at the moment. Actually, there is still
a need of workers if you want to have your building durable. That’s why, even if the
final 3D printer will be available soon it’s currently impossible to fully print a building
without workers. It’s not yet full 3D building printing process. Konstantin Nefedev
indicates that: “I think this problem will subside by as we find more durable material for
printing. Perhaps, if we can find a solution, if we can find a material that will be strong
enough to support, for example, 2 storey height building, so that we can eliminate the need
for armature at all. That will be a great solution but end of now that little bit a problem.”
Indeed, the company is currently working in collaboration with the Russian-

Italian Company (RenkaRUS) to develop new printing materials called:
"geopolymer". Geopolymer material has already shown its true benefits during the
testing phase and right now Apis Cor and RenkaRUS are developing the solution
that will help to make this mixture both available and cost efficient for the purpose
of the construction industry. People are getting more and more interested by 3D
printing because of the evolution in this technology not only in construction industry
field.
p. 21
March 2016
3D printing is getting popular because the price of a 3D printer for small

objects is becoming affordable. From your home with your 3D printer, you can make
small objects such as mugs, spoons, plates, toys, etc… The population going to be
familiar with this technology. Therefore, Apis Cor is having more and more requests
from students such as one from students in the United States who are participating
in a research to find more materials that are suitable for 3D printing. The company
hopes that in upcoming years, materials based for 3D printing will develop and grow.
More and more materials will be utilized to print building because more and more
people will work actively in the research of this technology.
The construction process will definitely change if this technology continue to
be improved with new printing materials, for example. The design process should
change as well because of the 3D printer, to operate, needs specific software.
Nowadays, Apis Cor has developed its own software to make the transition between
CAD files and the 3D printer (“there were no printer of this type in the world before so we
had to come up with our own solution for it and basically, right now, it works with CAD files”
said Konstantin Nefedev). The building that is going to be built with Apis Cor 3D
printer for the Moscow’s exhibition, has been drawn with CAD files to have
dimensions of the physical object. Then, Apis Cor’s software interpret these
dimensions and make a code for the printer to properly operate the building printing.
We can imagine in coming years that other file extension will be available for the
Apis Cor’s software such as IFC format (See BIM part). In a future, we can think that
the design team will execute a 3D BIM model and then start the building printing
with a 3D printer (“We think it’ll be possible to extend this range of files and extend the
possibility of designers and architects. We will working on our product to up to bring them
files into our system.” Explain Konstantin Nefedev). Apart from the fact that software
has been developed and constantly updated especially for the 3D printer, the design
process will be completely modify because 3D building printing reduction
considering the technical limitation compared to the traditional construction sector.
The technology is only at the beginning so we don’t know the limits of this
technology. Apis Cor 3D printer has not yet printed a big project but the size of the
building shouldn’t be limited because as the 3D printer is very mobile. Apis Cor has
an effective test of a 2 storey house but they plan to improve the technology and the
next generation of 3D printer should probably build a 5 storey building. Konstantin
Nefedev states that: “if you want to make a house bigger than the arm can reach you just
lift it up and put it down little further away. It can continue printing, so there is no limit in how
far it can go. And also when it prints for example, the first storey of a building, you take the
printer outside. You put the flooring in place and then you lift the printer up on the floor so it
can continue to print the second storey, etc…”
Apis Cor 3D printer is a 3D printer for construction industry which needs to

take into consideration by all the technology’s impact is going to have in the
upcoming years. One other impact with this new technology, is the 3D building
printing makes no noise and dust emission, it’s impact of the quality of work-life (“The
motors that are driving the printer are very precise and because the printer doesn’t move
very fast, you can’t even really hear it”: Explain Apis Cor) The Apis Cor 3D printer new
generation is coming soon to the construction market (beginning of April this year)
and a lot of research is conducted in parallels to improve the technology (Printing
p. 22
March 2016
materials, software, etc…). Apis Cor 3D printer is not the only 3D printer in the
construction market. Other companies in United States (Contour Crafting) or in
China (WinSun) are also working on 3D building printers their own particularity. The
difference between Apis Cor and Contour Craft or WinSun is mainly in maniability
and in the fashion in which the building is constructed. Contour Crafting and WinSun
are big frame type printer and according to Konstantin Nefedev:”becomes really
bulky”. The printing area is limited to the inside of the frame type which limits the
possibility of using the 3D printer compared to Apis Cor.
1.4.3 Other 3D printer
1.4.3.1 Contour Crafting (CC)

Contour Crafting (CC) is a 3D building printing technology developed by Dr.
Behrokh Khoshnevis of the University of Southern California. CC is basically based
on the same printing process that is used for small 3D printed object and scaling up
to a real building. It means, that the printer is a big frame type printer and layer by
layer printed the construction according to the drawings. The CC 3D printer spreads
a high performance concrete mixture, composite fibers and additives.
The inconvenient of this
printer is limited by its own size.
However, the main advantage is to
automatically add reinforcement,
plumbing, electrical services and
even to finish works such as tiling,
painting, etc...
Picture 9: Contour Crafter (Contour Crafting's printer)
1.4.3.2 KamerMaker, Winsun, D-shape, etc…
There are many 3D printer technologies currently in development or even
already used on the building industry market. KamerMaker technology, is a 3D
printer used by DUS Architects in Amsterdam to print a house with 13 parts. This
project aim to develop and improve the 3D printing technology, it’s only a research
project. However, WinSun or Kushner Studios are already working with 3D printer
to build house, multi-storey building and even swimming pool. Enrico Dini, Italian
civil engineer and expert in robotic, developed in 2006 a 3D building printer which
uses a mix of sand, water and magnesium
to create stone-like objects. In January
2015, in collaboration with Kushner
Studios (New York architecture practice)
and D-Shape technology, start the project
of printing three-bedroom house, a
swimming pool, hot tub, pool house, and
carport in New York (USA). This project Picture 10: Aerial rendering of the pool.
should be the first done completely with 3D Source: Kushner Studios
concrete printer without 3D printed
elements assembly.
p. 23
March 2016
1.5 CONCLUSION
3D printing will definitely have impact in the construction industry field and
will change the design and construction process in few years. We can already
imagine all the employment, economic, environmental impacts this 3D building
printing will affect in the construction industry sector. WinSun company estimates
that the price of its 3D printed house with 200m² will cost 3 500€ (=25 000dkk). It’s
going to be cheaper, quicker and good quality of building according to 3D printer
producers. 3D printing at the first time will be useful for people who live on slum or
after natural disaster (earthquake, tsunami, etc…) because quick, cheap and long-
term accommodation. Obviously, if research in this technology continue, with for
example, new printing materials, we can expect to generalize this construction
process to all the building industry sector. Some issue have to be taken into
consideration before implementing the technology because of employment impact.
How workers on building site can find other job opportunity if robots takes their
tasks? Is it really greener to use printers instead of human to build a house? 3D
building printing, it’s a promising technology just need to be more mature.
3D printing technology is also interesting for space exploration. ESA
(European Space Agency) and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space
Administration) are currently working in collaboration with 3D printer companies to
develop 3D printed for lunar habitation. ESA in consortium with Foster + Partners
(Architecture and integrated design practice) intend to have a lunar base by the
2030s. NASA in consortium with Contour Crafting plan to build lunar settlement
infrastructure such as road, radiation protection wall, etc… by 2020. 3D building
printing technology has no border and it will be an industrial revolution into the
coming years. However, the environment’s challenge that we are having right now
on our planet Earth, has to let us focus on innovative technology to reduce
environmental footprint of our building. European commission clearly act to reduce
the energy consumption of building. But new technologies such as BIM and 3D
printing can be the way that construction industry field find to fight against CO2
emission, greenhouse gas emission?
Picture 11: Multi-dome will construct based on 3D printing concept

Source: http://www.esa.int/Highlights/Lunar_3D_printing
p. 24
March 2016
IV. CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND ENVIRONMENT
1.1 INTRODUCTION
Building industry must act for reducing carbon emission and energy
consumption because it’s one of the biggest sectors producing greenhouse gas and
is responsible for global warming. For example, global warming makes the arctic ice
melt and it becomes an issue because it is rises to sea level and threatens countries
close to the sea such as Maldives. Construction industry represents 40% of total
European energy consumption and it’s 36% of greenhouse gases emissions in
Europe. Construction industry is a worldwide ecological issue and on the 3rd
December 2015 in Paris was held for the first time the buildings day at COP21.
COP21 or 21th Conference of the Parties brings together 195 countries plus
European Union (28 countries) to make them work together and try to find solutions
for the issue of global warming. The goal of the buildings day during the COP21 was
to provide solutions and agreements with a strong collaboration all around the world.
“All 74 national Green Building Councils, under the umbrella of the World green
Building Council, commit to driving 'Net Zero Carbon' new building and large scale energy
efficient refurbishment of the existing building stock in order to play their role in limiting
global temperature rise to 2 degrees. The sector must reduce emissions by 84 GtCO2 by
2050, the equivalent of taking 22,000 coal-fired power stations out of existence.”
Commitments during the buildings day by the official COP21 led by Ségolène Royal, the
French minister of ecology (Ministre de l'écologie) (3rd December 2015)
Picture 12: Buildings day at COP21

Source: http://web.unep.org/climatechange/buildingsday
The aims in Europe is to reduce 80% the CO2 emissions in the building
industry field and 50% of energy consumption by 2050. It means new construction
has to be more energy efficient and existing buildings must be renovated to reduce
energy consumption. All the design and construction processes must integrate
sustainable aspects and work in tight collaboration to successfully reach these
goals. Closer to 2050, the European Commission stated in March 2007 the energy
target for 2020 also known as 20/20 targets:
• 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels)
• 20% of EU energy from renewables
• 20% improvement in energy efficiency
Construction industry must be environmentally friendly now because it’s a
sector in expansion and energy consumption will increase as well. New technologies
can be essential to respect the ambitious EU goals for 2020 and 2050.
p. 25
March 2016
1.2 BIM FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

1.2.1 BIM a sustainable tool
BIM changes the design & construction process and facilitates green projects
by simulating building energy performance. With BIM’s accurate analysis of the
building and its environment, it can assist in this area of sustainable design &
construction by:
• Building massing (improve shape of the building according to location)
• Building orientation (an accurate building orientation analysis
influencing the energy cost of a building)
• Day lighting and lighting analysis
• Water used & harvesting (estimate the quantity of water used in the
building and analysis the impact of a water harvesting)
• Energy modeling (reduce energy needs & analyze renewable energy)
• Sustainable materials (analysis of recycling materials)
• Site and logistics management (reduce construction waste because of
more accurate procurement due to BIM)
• Operation & Maintenance (BIM helps technicians to anticipate and
work on the maintenance of a building)
• Life Cycle Analysis (LCA & BIM support decisions during the design
phase for materials selection, planning procedures, etc… LCA & BIM,
give the possibility to analysis impact of different alternatives by a
simulation and helps to determinate the right solution to improve
energy efficiency of a building)
For all this sustainable aspects, BIM is interesting for green projects during
design, construction process and even after delivery building key (O&M and LCA).
Thus, green projects and BIM adoption can be linked. Green projects can encourage
BIM adoption because adopting BIM, makes more efficient green projects.
1.2.2 Green BIM adoption

Green projects and BIM can improve design and construction process in a
way to reduce environmental footprint of the building (it’s the goal of green BIM
adoption). However, company who are using BIM doesn’t necessary do green
projects. It depends of the owner demand and the motivation of the company to fully
integrate sustainable design into its BIM process.
Actually, owner demand is the main
reason that green BIM would be adopted or
not by non-green BIM practitioners. According
to the survey from McGraw-Hill Construction
in 2010, owner demand is the first driver for
using green BIM on projects. The survey
states for non-green BIM users, that 82% of
design teams (A/E Firms) and 88% of
Picture 13: Influence of factors behind start in
green BIM practice (firm type)
contractors think that owner demand is what
Source: McGraw-Hill Construction in 2010 will be influential in the start of green BIM.
p. 26
March 2016
Since the green building market is currently growing because of the necessity
to act against the global warming (EU goals, 20/20 targets), the owner demand for
green projects should grow significantly and green BIM adoption will increase as
well.
Still from McGraw-Hill Construction survey, within 3 years, up to 78% of BIM
users who are not doing green projects should begin with green BIM (No official
recent survey can confirm the estimation of McGraw-Hill Construction at this time).
Green BIM adoption is growing fast even if the full potential of BIM with sustainable
design are not really well known and used. Only 17% of BIM users around the world
are using more than the half of the BIM potential for green projects in 2010.
Picture 14: Timing expected to green BIM market penetration

Source: McGraw-Hill Construction in 2010
BIM will definitely reduce the environmental footprint of the building but it’s
hard to evaluate the impact of the new generation of green building yet. The owner
education about green building and new technologies such as BIM will influence the
owner demand and therefore, the adoption of green BIM for companies.
1.2.3 Green BIM in an architecture office

KMD architects, architecture office
based in San Francisco (USA), uses green
BIM on its projects. San Francisco Public
Utilities Commission building (PUC building)
is one building project from the company
which used green BIM and with the goal to
achieve LEED Silver status (Eco-labels for
building construction, LEED Silver is the
second of the fourth LEED rating, see EES
report 4th semester to get more informations
about eco-labels & green certification).
Finally, the building was complete in
2012 and got the LEED Platinum certification
which is better than what’s expected (LEED
Platinum is the best LEED certification).
Green BIM is responsible for the success of
the building green certification from LEED. Picture 15: PUC Building
Source: http://www.archdaily.com/
p. 27
March 2016
KMD architects improved the sustainable design of this building inter alia by
using daylighting analysis. Daylighting analysis emerged from the green BIM and
it’s interesting because it helps the architects, designer or engineers to find the right
balance between natural and artificial light and it’s a strong arguments to convince
all stakeholders that the solution best suits the energy consumption of the building.
“Having these [daylighting analysis] tools is invaluable when we go into
conversations with clients or other [team members].” Tom Turkington, project manager,
KMD Architects
For instance, Daylighting analysis gives the opportunity to KMD architects to

strategically placed light shelves to maximize daylight penetration on the building.
Green BIM accurately analyzes of the building to improve the sustainable design
which KMD architects successfully reached with San Francisco Public Utilities
Commission building (LEED Platinum certification for this project).
100% DAY LIGHT ZONE

DIMMABLE ZONE
ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING ZONE
Picture 16: Typical plan light penetration for PUC building

Source: http://www.archdaily.com/
Autodesk Ecotec analysis is the software that the company used for
daylighting modeling. Since March 20, 2015, Autodesk Ecotec analysis is available
in the Revit environment. It means, that daylighting analysis can be done directly on
Revit and reduces issues with interoperability. Interoperability is currently the main
technical issue which creates slow BIM adoption (see BIM part).
1.2.4 Conclusion
BIM can be useful for green projects and green BIM might be part of the
deeper modification of the building industry process. It takes time for this sector to
adopt BIM because of some issues (18% of AEC in 2005 and 36% of AEC in 2010
has adopted BIM for western of Europe) and to adopt green BIM as well (only 17%
of BIM users around the world are using more than the half of the BIM potential for
green projects in 2010). However, according to McGraw-Hill construction study in
2010, BIM and Green BIM should dramatically increase as stakeholders take
advantage of BIM technology and by being fully involved on green objectives as
environment is everyone’s business. Building industry companies know the
necessity to act and have a huge potential to reduce environmental footprint of our
buildings by using new technologies like BIM but also 3D Printing.
p. 28
March 2016
1.3 3D PRINTING FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Building printing with 3D printers in the construction field is a brand new
technology used only in a few companies and until now the goal was to try the
possibilities of this innovative technology. Thus, informations about sustainability
provides only from 3D printer producers and no independent organization have
tested the environmental footprint of the 3D printing construction process, yet.
Currently the printing materials is the most interesting and sustainable aspect
present in 3D printing. According to the companys’ website, there are a lot of
different raw materials which are environmentally friendly for 3D printing:
• Recycled plastic, bioplastics
 Example: 3D print canal house from DUS Architects in Amsterdam (under
construction)
 Use bioplastic, mix of plastic fibers and 80% plant oil
 Bio-concrete
• Recycled construction waste
 Example: 10 single-storey houses printed in a day in China from WinSun
Decoration Design Engineering Co. (1st of April 2014)
 Company keeps confidential informations about printing materials
 However, according to the CEO of WinSun, Ma YiHe, the printing
material is a mix of recycled materials from construction waste (Sand,
concrete, glass fiber) and cement.
• Local materials
 Example: “Big delta”, 3D printer from WASP (World’s Advanced Saving
Project) in Italy (presented in September 2015)
 Use mud, clay and natural fibers
Used raw materials from local areas or recycling construction waste will
definitely increase the environmental sustainability of the new construction.
Moreover, using 3D printing can eliminate construction waste because there is no
need of formwork to cast the concrete for instance. 3D printing reduces air pollutants
emission for construction and use phases. It can also reduce in large transport of
building components. Most of the 3D printing companies are using 3D printers
directly on site but it can also be from a factory and then delivered on site such as
for the Chinese company, WinSun. In both cases, the needs of transportation are
reduced compared to the conventional building process.
3D printing can be a solution to reducing environmental footprint in the new
generation of building. On the other hand, it’s only at an experimental stage and all
sustainable benefits presented by producers can not be verified yet. A lot of
questions have yet to be answered because we don’t know all of the environmental
impact of the 3D printing process. The hardening of the mixtures needs to be sped
up, so additives must be used in the printing materials. Probably made up of
chemical origin therefore not environmentally friendly. Some experts have said,
there are risks of emissions of the ultrafine particles in the air during the printing
process and we can imagine that energy consumption for the 3D printer is also
important. 3D printing will change the construction process, but at this time it’s too
early to know the exact environmental impact of 3D printing.
p. 29
March 2016
V. CONCLUSION
Construction industry sector is currently at the border of an industrial
revolution because of the adoption of new technologies such as BIM and 3D
printing. These new technologies can change the design and construction process
and impact the environmental footprint of the building. BIM and 3D printing are both
new technologies in development and the future is bright.
Actually, BIM is a productive solution because companies using BIM make
less mistakes, have less misunderstanding, no more redundant data creation, etc…
All data is centralized in one file and all disciplines work on the same 3D BIM model.
BIM saves time, money and can even improve the design of the building for a green
architecture. Even though BIM is still in development, it’s already useful and we can
imagine in a near future, working on a fully BIM collaborative project where all
different stakeholders will work in coordination on the same project at the same time.
There are still some issues right now about this fully collaborative BIM model
because of interoperability with other software (IFC format) but this should be fixed.
However, government and public organizations know the benefits of this technology
and encourage the companies to adopt BIM into the construction industry. BIM
should be a standard way of working in the construction industry field in the
upcoming years as BIM will mature and be more efficient. The transition issue from
CAD to BIM isn’t easy, takes time and reduces the productivity of the companies.
Nevertheless, BIM offers the possibility to work in a better coordination during all
steps of the design and construction process which can, for instance, as DesignLAB
architects did, be more competitive and work on big project even if it’s a small
company. Building Information Modeling is definitely going to change the building
industry field by a better collaboration.
Print a building with a 3D printing is a desire from a lot of architects,
engineers, technicians, researchers, etc… since a long time. The dream will become
true with the current 3D printing progress in construction industry field. WinSun
already use 3D printer to build houses in a short period of time, with less needs of
materials and labor. 3D printing basically, saves time, money and can also be
environmental friendly (less or no waste generate and less needs of materials).
Actually, nowadays, 3D printing is still at a research stage and 3D printer is only
used for small projects and for testing the technology. It’s probably too early to
clearly identify the impacts of this technology as the research continue in a way to
improve the technology. From the professional’s point of view of Apis Cor, 3D
printing technology will definitely change the building industry field and reduce
environmental footprint of the building. We expect to have a full automatic process
if the research, for instance, in printing material is successful and avoid the needs
of manual tasks in the building site. Experts in this technology think, that the first
step is to build houses for people in emergency situations.
p. 30
March 2016
BIM & 3D printing seem to be environmentally friendly according to a

company which works with these technologies. BIM increases the design’s capacity
with better simulation to choose the best option to reduce energy consumption of a
building or facilitate the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). 3D printing reduces the needs of
raw materials for construction as it’s more precise and make wall thicker. It can also
by using local or waste materials from the construction industry as a raw material
that this technology can reduce environmental footprint. However, for both
technologies we can only estimate at this moment the true benefits of reducing
environmental footprint of our building. Indeed, using new technologies allow
projects more sustainable but it depends of the strategy of the company to integrate
this fundamental aspect or not.
From my point of view, BIM will definitely change the building industry field
by a better collaboration of all stakeholders and can have a significant impact to the
reduction of the environmental footprint of the new building if it’s part of a company’s
strategy. 3D printing in the construction industry area will also change it by printing
directly the building from the drawing. However, researches have to continue to
study what exactly will be the impact of this technology (environmentally friendly?)
and if it can be implement into companies (Unemployment will increase).
To conclude, BIM and 3D printing will change the building industry by making
building faster, cheaper and greener only if everyone is aware of the potential of this
technologies. Professionals in building industry understand this technology but in
fact it’s the clients who can influence companies to adopt or not the technologies.
Therefore, by informing everyone about innovations in the building industry field will
carry on in favor of the adoption of these technologies and will change the sector
and will also reduce the environmental footprint. Moreover, we can consider that as
soon as those technologies are adopted by all stakeholders in the construction
industry, BIM & 3D printing can be used together. Probably to create a 3D BIM
model with all information needed and use the 3D printer afterwards to build the
project.There will be no interference between the architect’s idea and the final
project build.
The report based on new technologies allowed me to contact professionals
such as architecture practice and a 3D printer company in relation to my research
question (how new technologies can change building industry field & reduce
environmental footprint?). Indeed, studying books and websites is interesting and
helpful to collect information but also having the opportunity of having professional
experience gave me the possibility to go deeper in my research and the specialist’s
point of view increased my professional network as well.
p. 31
March 2016
VI. LIST OF REFERENCES

Books:
• Karen M. Kensek, 2014, Building Information Modeling, Routledge, Abingdon
• Nick Dunn, 2013, Architectural modelmaking, Laurence King publishing, London
JOURNAL ARTICLES:
• Holness, Gordon V R. ASHRAE Journal, 2006. Building Information Modeling.
Websites:
• Dodge Data & Analytics, 2016. [online] Available at:
<http://construction.com/market_research/> [Accessed 02 March 2016].
• DesignLAB architects, 2016. [online] Available at:
<http://www.designlabarch.com/> [Accessed 26 February 2016].
• Joe Fallon Design, 2016. [online] Available at: < http://www.joefallon.com/>
[Accessed 05 February 2016].
• WinSun, 2016. [online] Available at: <http://www.yhbm.com/index.php?siteid=3>
[Accessed 05 March 2016].
• Apis Cor, 2016. [online] Available at: <http://apis-cor.com/> [Accessed 05 March
2016].
• Arte, 2016. [online] Available at: <http://future.arte.tv/fr/les-imprimantes-3d-une-
revolution/futuremag-des-maisons-imprimees-en-3d> [Accessed 05 March 2016].
• Contour Crafting, 2016. [online] Available at: <http://www.contourcrafting.org/>
• 3D printing construction, 2016. [online] Available at:
<http://www.sculpteo.com/blog/2015/10/07/3d-printing-construction/> [Accessed
05 March 2016].
• 3D printed concrete castle, 2016. [online] Available at:
<http://www.totalkustom.com/3d-castle-completed.html> [Accessed 05 March
2016].
• World Health Organization, 2016. [online] Available at:
<http://www.who.int/gho/urban_health/en/> [Accessed 07 March 2016].
E-books & PDF:

• McGraw-Hill Construction. 2010. SmartMarket Report: Green BIM (2010) How
Building Information Modeling is Contributing to Green Design and Construction.
[pdf] Bedford. Available at:
<https://www.wbdg.org/pdfs/mhc_smartmarket_rep2010.pdf> [Accessed 22 February
2016].
• Bertrand DELCAMBRE. 2014. Rapport de la Mission Numérique Bâtiment. [pdf]
Paris. Available at:
<http://www.territoires.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/rapport_mission_numerique_batiment.pdf>
• AUTODESK. 2007. BIM’s Return on Investment. [pdf] Available at:
<http://static.ziftsolutions.com/files/8a7c9fef2693aa1e0126d282571c02c7> [Accessed 26
February 2016].
• Ibrahim Motawaa & Kate Carter. 2012. Sustainable BIM-based Evaluation of
Buildings. [pdf] Edinburgh. Available at:
p. 32
March 2016
<http://ac.els-cdn.com/S1877042813004448/1-s2.0-S1877042813004448-
main.pdf?_tid=b7c003fa-da36-11e5-8c68-
00000aab0f26&acdnat=1456236605_7662213f0e0d5d593182430d09b84205> [Accessed
15 February 2016].
• Skanska. 2015. New Karolinska Solna. [pdf] Solna. Available at:
<http://group.skanska.com/globalassets/about-us/building-information-modeling/bim-
projects/bim-new-karolinska-solna.pdf> [Accessed 23 February 2016].
• R.M. Dowsett & C.F. Harty. 2013. Evaluating the benefits of BIM for sustainable
design. [pdf] Whiteknights. Available at:
<https://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/tsbe/Dowsett_TSBE_Conference_Paper_2013.pdf
> [Accessed 09 February 2016].
• McGraw-Hill Construction. 2010. The Business Value of BIM in Europe. [pdf]
Bedford. Available at:
<http://images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/business_value_of_bim_in_europe_smr_final.pdf>
[Accessed 12 February 2016].
• CMAA. 2012. An owner's guide to project delivery. [pdf] Available at:
<https://cmaanet.org/files/Owners%20Guide%20to%20Project%20Delivery%20Methods%
20Final.pdf> [Accessed 25 February 2016].
• CISBAT 2015. 2015. Is 3d printed house sustainable?. [pdf] Lausanne. Available
at:
<http://infoscience.epfl.ch/record/213312/files/2_OBERTI.pdf> [Accessed 04 March 2016].
• Housing Observer 2015. 2015. 3D Printing and the Construction Industry. [pdf]
Lausanne. Available at:
<https://www.cmhc-
schl.gc.ca/en/hoficlincl/observer/upload/Observer_2015_Article3_EN_w_ACC.pdf>
• DESA 2015. 2015. World Population Prospects The 2015 Revision. [pdf] New
York. Available at:
<http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/publications/files/key_findings_wpp_2015.pdf> [Accessed 07
March 2016].
• Behrokh Khoshnevisk. 2004. Houses of the Future Construction by Contour

Crafting. [pdf] Los Angeles. Available at:
<http://craft.usc.edu/CC/images/houses_future.pdf> [Accessed 06 March 2016].
p. 33
March 2016
VII. ENCLOSURES
1.4 INTERVIEW WITH APIS COR ENGINEERING

1.4.1 Recording on the interview:
Available on Wise flow’s website.
1.4.2 Transcript the whole interview:

• Interview manage by: Frank Gergaud
• Interviewer: Константин Нефедьев | Konstantin Nefedev
• Interview did on: March 8th at 8am Danish’s time, 3pm Russian’s time
• The circumstances: On Skype
• The subject of the interview: Apis Cor 3D printer for construction industry
• Gender: Male
• Position in the company: Customer service representative | Представитель
отдела обслуживания клиентов - Apis Cor
• From: Irkutsk Region, Russian Federation
• How many time the person have had the specific position: 6 months
• Company’s website: http://apis-cor.com/
o From your professional point of view, how 3D printing can change the
construction process?
As well as, help to reduce errors and make building more consistent and more
affordable because in a developed country such as the United States, a lot of money
and cost are going to labor because you need to have skill workman working on site
and they also get injured sometimes and they make mistakes so it also costs extra.
So reduced man labor, helps to reduce cost. As well as, to make the construction
friendlier to the environment, because when you are printing on site with the printer
you are effectively reducing the amount of material needed for the construction so
that there is a lot less or no waste generated during the process.
o What kind of printing materials are you using for 3D printer?
Basically, there are several types of materials that are suitable for use with
construction 3D printers. Right now, for our project, we use a mixture of concrete,
regular concrete, reinforce with fibers and we also have some additives which help
the mixture to set quicker which allows the printer to make consecutive layers
without stopping. We have also a collaboration with an Italian company which
develops Geopolymer materials so this materials has shown to be very good during
the testing phase and right now there are developing the solution that will help to
make this mixture both available and cost efficient for the purpose of the
construction. So that is another option. And as people are getting more interested
in 3D printing, we are having requests from students in the United States who are
participating in a research to find more materials that are suitable for 3D printing so
we hope that in upcoming years, materials based for 3D printing will develop and
grow and so more and more materials will be utilized to print building.
p. 34
March 2016
o Apis Cor 3D printer is still a prototype or it’s already use for some project?
When do you think the 3D printer will be available for construction
industry?
This month, we are conducting a test print of a full building to polish of the technology
and make some videos like a video film of how this process is going to be from start
to finish and as soon as we are done and we will be done at the end of this month
so in the beginning of April, we are going to an exhibition in Moscow and we are
showing the final version of the printer there and hopefully that will be the launch of
our printer on the market. So it will become commercially available.
o Which software for Architecture office the 3D printer is able to work with?
Can we use 3D BIM model (Revit)? Or CAD software (SketchUp, etc…)
is enough?
Basically, for this 3D printer to operate we have our own software that was
developed because there were no printers of this type in the world before so we had
to come up with our own solution for it and basically right now it works with CAD
files. The house that is going to be build is a physical object and you need to have
its dimension specified in the file so that our software can interpret them and make
a code for the printer to operate.
As our product will mature as we will get more requests from our users who will for
example want to make other file extensions available for our software to understand.
We think it’ll be possible to extend this range of files and extend the possibility of
designers and architects. We will be working on our product to bring up the files into
our system.
o The 3D printer can automatically add reinforcement, plumbing or electrical
services as contour crafting technology?
Our printer can print and retain the framework for the bearing column and even so,
you still need to insert armature manually. That is a problem because if you want to
have a multi-storey building you won’t to have a trim reinforcement; you still need to
put the armature in place manually. But, I think this problem will subside by as we
find more durable material for printing so perhaps if we can find a solution, if we can
find a material that will be strong enough to support for example 2 storey high
building so that we can eliminate the need for armature at all. That will be a great
solution but end of now that little bit a problem.
o What is the difference between your technology and contour crafting
technology for example?
The difference is mainly in maniability and in the fashion in which the building is
constructed because when you have a big frame type printer like Contour Crafting
or Chinese WinSun, the printer itself becomes really bulky so you need to bring the
printer to the site and then you need to assemble it and then this printer is limited.
The printing area is limited to the inside of the frame type so this printer can
effectively print individual panels. And these panels are taken outside and
assembled into the house. You cannot exceed this range because if you want
p. 35
March 2016
something bigger than the printer itself, there is no possibility of that because there
is no way to pass its bounds. Our printer is designed to be as mobile and requires
little assembly as possible. So you just take it on the truck and get it into site and it
prints around itself and if you want to make a house bigger than the arm can reach
you just lift it up and put it down little further away. So it can continue printing so
there is no limit in how far it can go. And also when it prints for example, the first
storey of a building, you take the printer outside. You put the flooring in place and
then you lift the printer up on the floor so it can continue to print the second storey,
etc…
o What is the maximum size of building can be print with 3D printer?
We haven’t tried any really big project yet but the size shouldn’t be limited because
as I said, you can move it around and print a building as big as you like and if we
are speaking about the number of storeys that we can build right now we have an
effective test to be 2 storeys house. But I think if we polish the technology good
enough we can go as much as 5 storeys perhaps.
o How long time is the hardening process of the mixtures?
Basically, when we are printing the layers harden fast enough for the printing to be
a continuous process so layers gain enough strength not to deform under the weight
of the wall printed. But, for the house to get this final hardness, so the concrete really
to settle in, we require around 1 month (28 days). - Same hardening process than
other standard concrete in construction industry. We use chemical additive to help
the mixture to settle in quicker.
o The 3D printer is making noise or dust emission during the printing
process?
The motors that are driving the printer are very precise and because the printer
doesn’t move very fast, you can’t really hear it.
o In term of resistance how it’s possible for 3D printing house to resist

against earthquake, wind load, etc…?
To have a house to be resistant to the earthquakes and wind conditions, you need
to have the structure reinforced and as I said this process takes some manual
reinforcement, like installing reinforcement bars on places and pouring heavy
concrete. There is still need of extra work if you want to have your building durable.
p. 36

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7TH SEMESTER DISSERTATION

Bachelor of Architectural Technology and Construction Management

NEW TECHNOLOGIES & ENVIRONMENTAL

Consultant: ANDERS PETERSEN

VIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

VIA University College,

1 copy – Arial, 12 size

1.1 Background ............................................................................................... 5

1.2 Perspective ............................................................................................... 5

1.3 Problem statement .................................................................................... 5

1.4 Research questions................................................................................... 5

1.5 Delimitation ............................................................................................... 6

1.6 Choice of theory ........................................................................................ 6

1.7 Choice of research methodology ............................................................... 6

1.8 Structure of the report ............................................................................... 7

II. Building Information Modeling.......................................................................... 8

1.1 BIM – a productivity solution ..................................................................... 8

1.1.1 BIM overview ...................................................................................... 8

1.1.2 BIM dimension .................................................................................... 8

1.1.3 BIM maturity level ............................................................................... 8

1.1.4 BIM’s benefits ..................................................................................... 9

1.2 Implementing BIM in a company ............................................................. 10

1.2.1 Technical & financial issues .............................................................. 10

1.2.2 Delivery methods issues ................................................................... 11

1.2.3 Law issues ........................................................................................ 12

1.2.4 CAD to BIM in a real company.......................................................... 13

1.3 Case study: DesignLAB architects .......................................................... 14

1.3.1 About the company ........................................................................... 14

1.3.2 Project: New Dance and Visual Arts Center ..................................... 15

1.3.3 BIM Issues: Interoperability and information exchange .................... 15

1.4 Conclusion .............................................................................................. 16

III. 3D printing .................................................................................................. 17

1.1 3D printing nowadays .............................................................................. 17

1.2 Implementing 3D printing ........................................................................ 18

1.2.1 Economic impact .............................................................................. 18

1.2.2 Employment impact .......................................................................... 18

1.2.3 Architecture & environmental impact ................................................ 18

1.3 3D printing & Model-making in architecture office ................................... 19

1.4 3D printer technology .............................................................................. 19

1.4.1 Printing process ................................................................................ 19

1.4.2 Apis Cor ............................................................................................ 20

1.4.3 Other 3D printer ................................................................................ 23

1.5 Conclusion .............................................................................................. 24

IV. Construction industry and environment ...................................................... 25

1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................. 25

1.2 BIM for sustainable design ...................................................................... 26

1.2.1 BIM a sustainable tool ...................................................................... 26

1.2.2 Green BIM adoption.......................................................................... 26

1.2.3 Green BIM in an architecture office .................................................. 27

1.2.4 Conclusion ........................................................................................ 28

1.3 3D printing for sustainable design ........................................................... 29

VI. List of references ........................................................................................ 32

VII. Enclosures .................................................................................................. 34

1.4 Interview with Apis Cor Engineering ........................................................ 34

1.4.1 Recording on the interview: .............................................................. 34

1.4.2 Transcript the whole interview: ......................................................... 34

Picture 2: Responsible for protecting data on a BIM project ................................. 12

Picture 3: JFD Team (4 full time & 2 interns) ........................................................ 13

Picture 4: New Dance and Visual Arts Center ...................................................... 15

Picture 5: APEC 3D Printed villa .......................................................................... 16

Picture 6: 3D printing process .............................................................................. 17

Picture 7: Model-making ....................................................................................... 19

Picture 8: Apis Cor 3D printer ............................................................................... 20

Picture 9: Contour Crafter (Contour Crafting's printer) ......................................... 23