Missouri S&T receives $1.4 Million to develop AI-based Program for 3D Printing of Concrete

A Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) research team led by Dr. Kamal Khayat has received $1.4 million from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop an artificial intelligence program that will identify the best locally available materials for 3D-printed concrete.

“By harnessing the power of AI, our research team aims to streamline the process of material selection, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness,” says Khayat, S&T’s vice chancellor for research and innovation. “The AI program will evaluate a wide range of locally-available materials in various areas and identify the most appropriate combinations for 3D printing concrete. This will enhance the efficiency of the construction process, improve troop safety, pave the way for more sustainable practices and help expedite humanitarian assistance missions.”

This program could create everything from temporary bridges and barracks to guardhouses and defensive barriers.

The team’s goal is to have at least 50% of the materials be indigenous or local to replace traditional cement materials. Materials will be tested to determine how easily they can be pumped, extruded and used for construction.

Possible materials include natural minerals, industrial byproducts and agricultural waste, such as rice husk ash, palm oil fuel ash, ground dolomite and ground glass. According to Khayat, using these materials could also improve local sustainability and bring economic benefits to local areas.

Khayat’s team will also consider a variety of fibers to reinforce the 3D-printed structures. Some metal and synthetic fibers will be tested, as well as unconventional fibers made from plants and recycled materials such as bamboo, coconut, glass, hemp, cellulose and rubber.

“This will be a comprehensive project that will make a significant difference in the mobility of our troops,” Khayat says. “The amount of supply chain issues for materials will be greatly reduced, as will the construction costs. Missouri S&T is a leading university for researching novel 3D printing of concrete materials, and we are proud to answer the federal government’s call to help with this important work.”

Co-principal investigators for the project from S&T include Dr. Hongyan Ma, Francisco Benavides Scholar and associate professor of civil engineering; Dr. Aditya Kumar, associate professor of materials science and engineering; and Dr. Sajal Das, Curators’ Distinguished Professor and Daniel St. Clair Endowed Chair of computer science. Dr. John Kevern, a division director and professor of civil engineering at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is also a co-PI.