Metal additive manufacturing in structural engineering – review, advances, opportunities and outlook

Although still in its infancy, metal additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing has now arrived at a scale suitable for use construction. The new technology offers the potential improved economy, sustainability, safety and productivity through greater automation, enhanced customisation, reduced material usage wastage. In this paper, review of recent developments AM structural engineering is presented, including latest research advances, current trends applications practice. Emphasis placed on Directed Energy Deposition-arc (DED-arc) wire arc (WAAM) since deemed to be most promising technique requirements construction sector. A description observed response both steel stainless WAAM elements, as well behaviour cross-sections, members, connections systems, provided. challenges surrounding inherent geometric variability as-built material, implications possible anisotropy, are discussed. Optimization go hand hand, with latter enabling former more readily realised Every kilogramme that can saved by optimization reduces production times makes economical, sustainable ultimately viable. Recent examples optimized, additively manufactured components presented. Additive likely complement, rather than replace existing methods – mind, hybrid applications, opportunities strengthening repair, explored. economics sustainability construction, together key influencing parameters, then Finally, view future, opportunities, outlook wider engineering,