Introduction for Technical Report

 This report is written in response to a call for a design proposal to enhance current engineering processes in concrete construction. It aims to introduce Sika, a global leader in construction chemicals and material solutions, to an innovative enhancement for their robotic arm-based 3D concrete printer, the integration of a CO₂ pump system to improve the strength and sustainability of printed concrete.

Sika’s robotic 3D concrete printing technology has redefined modern construction, offering faster, more efficient, and highly customizable building solutions. This automated system eliminates traditional formwork, reduces material waste, and enables the creation of complex architectural structures with precision (Sika Singapore, n.d.). However, further advancements in material composition and curing techniques can enhance both the mechanical performance and environmental sustainability of 3D-printed concrete.

One promising approach to achieving stronger, more sustainable concrete is the integration of a CO₂ pump system. Research conducted by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) has demonstrated that CO₂ mineralization can enhance concrete strength while permanently capturing carbon dioxide within the cement matrix (Nanyang Technological University, n.d.-a). By injecting controlled amounts of CO₂ into the mix, mineral carbonation occurs, forming calcium carbonate within the concrete structure. This accelerates curing, improves durability, and reduces porosity, leading to a stronger, more resilient printed structure.

Beyond structural benefits, this innovation contributes to carbon reduction efforts within the built environment. According to the Rocky Mountain Institute (2021), carbon sequestration techniques in concrete production can significantly reduce emissions and enhance sustainability. With the construction industry seeking low-carbon, high-performance solutions, integrating a CO₂ pump system into Sika’s 3D printing technology presents an opportunity to align with global sustainability goals.

This report will provide an overview of Sika’s current 3D printing technology, discuss the potential benefits and feasibility of CO₂ integration, and outline a proposal for further research and development. By adopting this innovation, Sika can further pioneer sustainable, high-performance concrete solutions, reinforcing its role as a leader in cutting-edge construction technologies.

Research Project Contributions to Group project

 Updated on 28/02/2025

Contribution to 3D Concrete Printer from Sika

• As the team leader, I assign tasks and ensure that responsibilities are effectively distributed among my teammates.
• Conduct research on 3D concrete printing, focusing on its background, advantages, and limitations, using resources such as ChatGPT and Co-Pilot to gather insights.
• Review and refine the Minutes of Meeting, particularly in relation to the Ideal, Gap, and Goal, to ensure accuracy and alignment with project objectives.
• Conduct research on Sika Singapore, a company specializing in 3D concrete printing, to understand its technology, applications, and industry impact.
• Identify and propose a solution to address the structural limitations of 3D concrete printing, ensuring improved tensile strength and durability while maintaining automation efficiency.

Updated on 06/03/2025

Contribution

• As the team leader, I take the initiative to set up and organize meetings on Discord, ensuring efficient communication and collaboration among group members. I assign specific research tasks to each member based on our project needs.
• My primary research revolves around the robotic arm-based 3D concrete printer developed by Sika, exploring ways to improve the strength and efficiency of printed concrete structures.
• At the start, I investigated fiber-reinforced concrete as a method to enhance concrete strength and durability. However, my groupmates discovered that Sika already utilizes this technology, making it necessary to pivot our research focus. After realizing that fiber-reinforced concrete was already in use, I redirected my research efforts towards alternative solutions that could further enhance the mechanical properties of 3D-printed concrete.
• Our team identified the integration of a CO2 pump system as a potential method to strengthen concrete. This system could improve the material properties by enhancing carbonation, leading to denser, more durable concrete while also potentially reducing environmental impact by capturing and utilizing CO2.

Updated on 11/03/2025

Contribution

• As the team leader, I take the initiative to organize and facilitate meetings on Discord on Monday and Thursday, ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration among team members.

• I delegate specific research tasks based on project requirements, with Aravind sourcing images related to 3D concrete printing and its benefits, Jude handling the methodology section, and Charmaine focusing on the evaluation, while I oversee the problem solution and its impact on Sika.

Updated on 21/03/2025

Contribution

• As the team leader, I organized a dedicated Discord meeting to plan and coordinate our upcoming pitch presentation, ensuring smooth collaboration and alignment among all members.

• I delegated specific presentation sections based on each member’s strengths: I handled the Introduction and Problem Statement, Charmaine worked on the Problem Solution, Jude covered the Benefits, and Aravind prepared the Conclusion.

• To prepare for the actual pitch, I coordinated several trial runs with the team to improve our delivery, timing, and confidence before the presentation.

Updated on 27/03/2025

Contribution

• Our group also held a Zoom meeting with Professor BradStone to seek feedback on improving the quality of our technical report.

• Following the session, I organized a Discord meeting to review and amend our technical report based on the professor’s suggestions, focusing on improving clarity, structure, and the depth of technical content.

• I facilitated collaboration among team members during the editing process, ensuring that all revisions were implemented cohesively and aligned with the feedback received.

Updated on 01/04/2025

Overall Contribution

• Served as the team leader, ensuring smooth project coordination by organizing and facilitating regular meetings on Discord (typically every Monday and Thursday).

• Developed the technical report structure, creating the layout and headings (e.g., executive summary, introduction, proposed solution, benefits, methodology) based on the example provided by Professor Brad.

• Delegated roles and tasks efficiently to team members according to individual strengths and project needs, such as assigning Methodology to Jude, Evaluation to Charmaine, and image sourcing to Aravind.

• Led research efforts on the background and challenges of 3D concrete printing, with initial focus on fiber-reinforced concrete before pivoting to CO₂ integration upon discovering Sika already used fiber-reinforced methods.

• Identified and proposed the integration of a CO₂ pump system into Sika’s 3D concrete printing process as an innovative solution to improve strength, durability, and sustainability.

• Wrote and revised key technical sections of the report including:

  • Problem Statement

  • Proposed Solution

  • CO₂ Integration System Modifications

  • Impact on Sika’s system

• Conducted secondary research using sources like NTU studies, Rocky Mountain Institute reports, and Sika’s technical documentation to substantiate technical content.

• Collaborated with teammates on primary research, including structuring and incorporating the interview with Professor Siau King Ing, which added expert insights into CO₂ integration feasibility.

• Facilitated the editing and revision process following a feedback session with Professor BradStone, leading a Discord meeting to ensure all feedback (e.g., clarity, cohesion, technical accuracy) was applied throughout the report.

• Ensured consistency across the document, such as tone, citation formatting (APA), and the proper inclusion of figures and diagrams (e.g., robotic arm, compressive strength comparisons).

• Oversaw the compilation of references and verification of their alignment with report content (e.g., links to NTU articles, DOI links, source attribution for images).

• Played a key role in maintaining the technical credibility and cohesion of the final document, ensuring that all proposed ideas, such as CO₂ mineralization and carbonation control, were scientifically sound and practically feasible.