Opportunities and challenges for structural engineering of digitally fabricated concrete

Digital fabrication technologies utilizing concrete (DFC) have recently enabled form freedom for the production of a variety of concrete-made objects having mainly architectural and aesthetic functions. Structural elements or civil/building structures made by DFC demonstrate a high engineering potential, mainly for tailoring the final shape while optimising the structural/functional performance, material use, overall costs, and architectural effectiveness. However, the design of structurally efficient DFC constructions or components is often faced with a lack of a common structural engineering approach that can adapt to specific DFC particularities. In this paper, we provide a systematic overview of a number of DFC structural projects developed thus far. A comprehensive discussion about structural engineering details is provided, addressing the related fundamental structural issues and envisioning opportunities and challenges toward achieving the full potential of DFC.