Seismic Testing on 3DCP Structures for a Safer Future in Construction
SAFE 3D Printed CS: Part of the EU-funded ERIES project (Engineering Research Infrastructures for European Synergies)
n an effort to address one of the most urgent challenges facing our rapidly urbanising world, the SAFE 3D Printed CS project—led by the University of Bristol’s SoFSI Laboratory (the UKCRIC Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction Laboratory)—is pushing the boundaries of construction and disaster resilience. As part of the EU-funded ERIES project, this initiative brings together a international consortium of researchers, engineers, and industry leaders to investigate one crucial question: How can we ensure that 3D printed buildings can withstand real earthquakes?
A full-scale, 3D concrete printed (3DCP) cavity wall structure measuring 4 x 3 meters and standing 2.65 meters tall was printed and by HTL directly onto the shaker table. The wall was:
Printed in just 12 hours over three working days
Made from 99% locally sourced materials plus 1% admixtures
Built using HTL-specified Ready-mix concrete from Tarmac UK
Reinforced with Keystone Group’s insulated steel lintels, a cast ringbeam, and wall ties between layers
Sealed and strengthened with a curing compound and SBR bonding agent to ensure long-term structural integrity
This structure will undergo rigorous seismic testing simulating earthquake forces between 1–2g, mimicking conditions that devastate communities worldwide.
Why Seismic Testing on 3DCP Buildings Matters
Seismic events are not rare. In fact, global seismic activity is rising—in part due to both natural tectonic shifts and increased population in vulnerable areas. According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction:
Over 2.7 billion people live in earthquake-prone regions
Earthquakes have caused more than 720,000 deaths and affected over 125 million people globally in the past 20 years
On average, earthquakes cause $17 billion in damages annually
Worse still, earthquakes disproportionately affect the poorest and most vulnerable communities, where buildings are often constructed hastily and without proper engineering oversight.
In April 2025 alone, three significant earthquakes devastated Ecuador, Istanbul and Myanmar.
April 25, Ecuador: A magnitude 6.3 earthquake near Esmeraldas injured 20 people and affected around 135 families. Several public buildings and private homes were damaged, and some areas experienced power outages.
April 23, Istanbul, Turkey: A magnitude 6.2 earthquake in the Sea of Marmara injured at least 359 people and damaged over 2,900 buildings. The quake prompted temporary sheltering for thousands and reignited concerns about the city's seismic preparedness.
March 28, Myanmar: A devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake resulted in over 3,700 deaths, more than 5,100 injuries, and widespread infrastructure damage. Recovery efforts have been hampered by ongoing conflict and limited access to affected areas.
These events underscore the critical importance of seismic testing for construction methods like 3D concrete printing. By validating the resilience of 3DCP structures under earthquake conditions, we can develop safer, more rapid, cost-effective building solutions for communities in seismic zones. This proactive approach aims to enhance disaster preparedness and support faster, more robust rebuilding efforts following earthquakes.
Building Faster, Smarter, and Stronger
3DCP is not just about innovation—it’s about impact. With the ability to construct buildings rapidly, affordably, and sustainably, this technology offers a lifeline in the wake of natural disasters:
Speed of Construction: Entire superstructures can be printed faster, which is ideal for urgent post-disaster housing needs.
Material Efficiency: 3DCP uses minimal waste, and projects like SAFE 3D Printed CS have shown the potential to use almost entirely locally available materials, reducing logistical barriers.
Structural Integrity: With the proper testing and design validation—as this project provides—3D printed buildings can meet or exceed traditional seismic safety standards.
Customisation and Modularity: Homes can be adapted to suit specific geographic, cultural, and environmental needs.
Imagine a future where, after an earthquake, entire communities are rebuilt in months not years—using resilient, affordable structures that are tested to withstand future quakes.
A Global Collaboration for Local Solutions
This project is made possible through the collaboration of:
University of Bristol / SoFSI: UKCRIC Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction Laboratory (UK)
Universidade do Porto (Portugal)
Università degli Studi 'Gabriele d'Annunzio' di Chieti (Italy)
Asdea Hardware (Italy)
Harcourt Technologies Ltd (Ireland)
Future Cast (Ireland)
