Emerging Objects Combines 3D Printing and Incan Architecture to Create Earthquake Resistant Columns

Additive manufacturing (AM) is slowly working its way into the construction yard. It isn’t hard to find multiple methods for 3D printing a structure, and New York City’s waterfront may owe its continued existence to 3D printing.

Emerging Objects is adding even more strength to the case for construction-level AM with its Quake Column. Inspired by Incan architecture, the Quake Column is 3D printed and, as you might guess from the name, is meant to be resistant to earthquakes. Unlike current construction methods, Emerging Object’s column uses gravity and an interlocking design rather than mortar to keep the column in one piece.

Emerging Objects’ Quake Column mixes high tech fabrication with ancient construction practices. Courtesy of Emerging Objects.

From the Emerging Objects website:

The interlocking stone of Incan structures creates an absence of resonant frequencies and stress concentration points. The dry-stone walls built by the Incas could move slightly during an earthquake and resettle without the walls collapsing, a passive structural control technique employing both the principle of energy dissipation and that of suppressing resonant amplifications. Inca walls also tend to incline inwards by 3° to 5° and the corners were rounded, which contributes to their stability.

Where the stones used by the Incans for construction were solid and extremely heavy, Emerging Objects worked with ExOne to manufacture blocks that are partially hollow, making them easier to transport and erect. Each block has been designed to lock with the blocks around it, making for a structure capable of shifting during an earthquake, but still retains load-bearing integrity.

It seems like some practical testing might be in order before anyone attempted to use the Quake Columns, which are currently as much art project as architectural development. Regardless, the column is an early example of how opening up construction to the freedom of design offered by AM has the potential to change the industry.

Below you’ll find a video about a Chinese company using AM for construction.

Source: Emerging Objects