RAFA 2.0

RAFA 2.0 - Additive fabrication of components from waste wood

The aim of the project is to develop a sustainable, robot-assisted additive manufacturing process for producing circular wall structures from waste wood particles. The background to this is legal changes that restrict the energy recovery of waste wood and release large quantities of usable waste wood every year. This is to be used as a resource for a new type of 3D printing material that is suitable for both planar and free-form, load-bearing lightweight components on a 1:1 scale. The focus is on the further development of the bio-printing material, precise prefabrication using robot-assisted extrusion, and the adaptation of the components to structural and fire protection requirements. In cooperation with Buro Happold, methods for predicting and designing structural behavior are being developed. The components are modularly expandable, easy to assemble, and reusable, thus offering a resource-saving, economical alternative for construction. By specifically adapting the material formulation—for example, through the integration of biogenic additives—and geometric optimization, the component characteristics can be configured to suit the application. The project aims to develop low-emission, recyclable components for single-type demolition and promotes the establishment of closed material cycles in the construction industry. Digital planning and manufacturing processes enable high efficiency and precision in construction and demolition.