Digital Construction Lab
Innovate at the Digital Construction Lab
As the only lab of its kind in Australia, our researchers are at the forefront of the global digital construction movement. Fitted with cutting-edge 3D concrete and clay printers, here students and industry alike can harness the next generation of construction technologies revolutionising civil and architectural engineering. From digital automation and low-cost housing to large-scale waste reduction, this is the place to test, build and learn.
On this page you'll find:
Explore the lab
With its state-of-the-art robots and 3D printing machines, the Digital Construction Lab enables the exploration of emerging construction methods using digital technologies.
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Students being shown the large-scale 6-axis gantry 3D concrete printer; ideal for large and complex structural shapes with its 5 degrees of freedom. -
Students having a go at operating the integrated concrete mixing system for the large-scale 6-axis gantry 3D concrete printer. -
Undergraduate students being shown how to use the medium-scale 3-axis gantry 3D concrete printer controller to adjust factors like print head speed and concrete layer thickness.
Using the lab
It’s through the Digital Construction Lab that Swinburne has become the world leader in 3D concrete printing research*. Industry practitioners, PhD researchers and undergraduate students all use this lab to further understand what’s possible in the growing field of automated construction. The lab can be externally hired and is a learning space for staff, students and researchers.
*As measured by research outputs and the number of PhDs and Postdoctoral Fellows trained in the lab now leading this technology worldwide
Companies and Researchers
Conduct research and development in the rapidly emerging field of 3D concrete printing. Investigate the latest in digital construction with access to a range of machines and technologies.
Students and Staff
Undergraduate students in their final year of civil or architectural engineering may complete a team project over two semesters in the lab. Postgraduate civil engineering students can undertake research projects here, such as into low carbon and geopolymer concrete, the incorporation of waste streams for value adding in concrete, and much more.
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A student being shown how to control the robotic arm of the ABB robot with 3D Concrete Printer Head. -
Students feeding concrete into the medium-scale 3-axis gantry 3D concrete printer for an experiment in structural integrity.
Contact us
If you’re a PhD student, a professional or an organisation looking to partner with us or access our facility, please contact Professor Pat Rajeev: prajeev@swinburne.edu.au or Professor Jay Sanjayan: jsanjayan@swin.edu.au
Equipment
Across two purpose-built rooms, our equipment includes:
Large-scale 6-axis gantry 3D concrete printer
Large-scale industrial ABB robotics
Medium-scale 4-axis gantry 3D concrete printer
Small-scale 4-axis gantry 3D concrete printer
Large-scale 6-axis gantry 3D concrete printer
Large-scale industrial ABB robotics
Medium-scale 4-axis gantry 3D concrete printer
Small-scale 4-axis gantry 3D concrete printer
Partner with us
Unlock your research at the Digital Construction Lab. Hire the lab, use our equipment, collaborate on research projects, or connect with our current engineering students.
Location and contact
ATC108, Hawthorn campus
Associate Professor Pat Rajeev: prajeev@swinburne.edu.au