Table 5

Applications of 3DP for cultural heritage rehabilitation

Institution/CompanyProjectFindings/InnovationMaterial(s)Manufacturing placeSource
Huazhong University of Science and Technology (China)Reproduction of a damaged cup-shaped plinthWork comprised 3D scanning, modelling and 3DP of a new plinthCement based-mortar for 3DPOff-site; piece later assembled in situXu et al. (2017) 
IDA and UNESCORecreation of Palmyra's Arch of TriumphWork was based on 2D pictures of the original arch; two RobotMills robots printed several blocks; final structure has 6 m tall and 11 tonnesEgyptian marbleOff-site; piece later assembled in situJalabi (2016), Alexandrea (2017) 
3DION 3D network and voxeljetReplication of Michael portal's patrons from Cologne Cathedral3D scanning of patrons and 3D model production; binder jetting technique to produce the replicas; post-processing (cleaning and application of epoxy resin)PMMA powderOff-site; piece later assembled in situVoxeljet (2020) 
SismaitaliaTemporary replacement of grand Spada Palace capitalsDouble printing of capitals (due to the dual printhead); after printed, a plaster finish was applied, followed by painting in the same colourPolystyreneOff-site; piece later assembled in situMASSIVit 3D (2018) 
Concr3deReplication of Notre-Dame Cathedral's gargoyleAvailable scans of the gargoyle were found on the Internet; a 3D printer with a precision of 0.1 mm was used to print the replicasMixture of limestone and ashOff-site; piece later assembled in situdeezen (2019) 
edgRestoration of building façade elementsCreation of a 3D printer “formwork”, laser cut wire mesh and 3D printed stirrups (for reinforcement); the “formwork” is later filled with concreteCast concreteOff-site; piece later assembled in situThe Architect's Newspaper (2018) 
IAACMataerial3DP of 3D curves, in any surface and directionIn situIAAC (2018) 
HOLCIM3D vertical printing3DP of specific mortars vertically and directly onto walls, for ornamental purposes3DP dry mortar (cementitious materials or natural hydraulic lime)In situHOLCIM (2020) 
RWTH Aachen University (Germany)Vertical extrusion of foam concreteVertical extrusion of foam concrete onto wallsFoam concreteIn situLublasser et al. (2018) 
Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)Vertical extrusion of cementitious materials with fly ash cenosphereVertical extrusion of cementitious materials with fly ash cenosphere onto wallsCementitious materials with fly ash cenosphereIn situBing et al. (2018) 

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