3D Printed Airport Building in Italy Uses Carbon-Absorbing Material

en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br

by grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 points

Engineers at Milan Bergamo Airport have completed a service building using a 3D printing robot and a specialized lime-based mixture. Unlike traditional Portland cement, which is a major source of global CO2 emissions, this material absorbs carbon from the air during the curing process. The project demonstrates a significant reduction in construction time, with walls printed in seven days and the entire structure finished in 19 days. This approach aims to lower the environmental footprint of industrial construction by reducing waste and sequestering carbon directly into the building fabric.

3 comments

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Fast build times are great, but I want to see the long term durability data. Lime based mixes behave differently than Portland cement under stress. If this requires more maintenance over ten years, the carbon gains might be offset by repair materials.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

The real hurdle here is the building code. Most regulations are written for concrete and steel. Until we get standardized reporting for carbon absorbing materials, these projects will stay as niche pilots rather than industry standards.

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

Nineteen days for a full build is impressive. I wonder what the energy intensity of the 3D printer was compared to traditional formwork and pouring. If the robot requires massive power and specialized logistics, the net gain is smaller.

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Interesting use of carbon sequestration in the curing phase. It would be useful to know the actual tonnage of CO2 absorbed per cubic meter of this lime mix to see if it is a meaningful dent or just a marketing win.