The Department of Housing Urban Development’s Affordable Housing Research and Technology Division recently released a curriculum designed for workforce development programs, technical training, or academic coursework to assist the housing industry in adopting 3D concrete printing.

“Although one such technology—3D concrete printing (3DCP)—has advanced significantly in recent years, education and workforce training opportunities to take advantage of the technology have not kept pace,” according to an article at the HUD website. The curriculum is a result of a two-year contract with Virginia Tech.

Concrete printing technology has the potential to reduce material waste, lower labor costs, shorten construction schedules, and improve efficiency, which could help address housing affordability challenges.

The curriculum covers materials science, digital design and printing technology, engineering, and construction management skills and is designed for colleges, technical schools, workforce development programs, apprenticeship programs, and industry training providers.

It identifies several key competencies necessary for success in 3D concrete printing, including:

• concrete mixes and testing
• printer operations and maintenance
• 3D modeling and printer software
• structural and architectural design
• energy modeling and building performance
• mechanical, electrical, and plumbing building systems
• lifecycle assessment
• construction management
• codes and standards, and
• safety.