Vol. 15 No. 01 (2025): Journal of Materials & Construction
##common.pageHeaderLogo.altText##
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION

ISSN: 2734-9438

Website: www.jomc.vn

Comparison between two models of 3D printed artificial coral

Pham Thi Loan

Keywords:

3D printing concrete
artificial coral reefs
design criteria
printing techniques
assembly techniques

Abstract

This study provides a comparative analysis of two models of 3D-printed artificial coral reefs, focusing on key design elements essential for effective reef construction. It begins with an overview of natural coral ecosystems and discusses the importance of artificial reefs in marine conservation. The paper then establishes fundamental design criteria, including ecological functionality, structural integrity, biocompatibility, and environmental resilience. Two distinct reef models were created, prototyped, and subjected to laboratory-scale assembly and performance evaluations. The assessment parameters included printing techniques, assembly, and the potential to support marine life. The comparative results reveal unique advantages and limitations in each model's capacity to replicate natural reef structures, promote biodiversity, and endure harsh marine conditions. The study concludes with practical recommendations for selecting and optimizing artificial reef designs tailored to specific environmental contexts. Overall, the findings underscore the promising potential of 3D printing technology in fostering sustainable and resilient artificial reefs for marine ecosystem restoration and protection.

User Navigation

PDF

How to Cite

Pham Thi Loan. (2025). Comparison between two models of 3D printed artificial coral. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION, 15(01), Page 19 – Page 26. https://doi.org/10.54772/jomc.v15i01.946

References

  1. The Coral Reef Alliance, “Introduction to coral reef ecosystems , threats , and solutions.,” Tourism, pp. 1–76, 2003.
  2. N. A. J. Graham and K. L. Nash, “The importance of structural complexity in coral reef ecosystems,” Coral Reefs, vol. 32, no. 2, pp. 315–326, Jun. 2013, doi: 10.1007/s00338-012-0984-y.
  3. O. Hoegh-Guldberg, E. S. Poloczanska, W. Skirving, and S. Dove, “Coral Reef Ecosystems under Climate Change and Ocean Acidification,” Front. Mar. Sci., vol. 4, May 2017, doi: 10.3389/fmars.2017.00158.
  4. H. I. Albalawi et al., “Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Coral Restoration through 3D Printing and Fabrication,” ACS Sustain. Chem. Eng., vol. 9, no. 37, pp. 12634–12645, Sep. 2021, doi: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c04148.
  5. N. Levy et al., “Emerging 3D technologies for future reformation of coral reefs: Enhancing biodiversity using biomimetic structures based on designs by nature,” Sci. Total Environ., vol. 830, p. 154749, Jul. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154749.
  6. I. V. Matus, J. L. Alves, J. Góis, P. Vaz-Pires, and A. Barata da Rocha, “Artificial reefs through additive manufacturing: a review of their design, purposes and fabrication process for marine restoration and management,” Rapid Prototyp. J., vol. 30, no. 11, pp. 87–122, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.1108/RPJ-07-2023-0222.
  7. A. I. Yoris-Nobile et al., “Artificial reefs built by 3D printing: Systematisation in the design, material selection and fabrication,” Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 362, no. August 2022, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.129766.
  8. Y. Huang et al., “Experimental and numerical studies on the improvements in mechanical properties of coral aggregates concrete through aggregates strengthening method,” Constr. Build. Mater., vol. 438, no. March, p. 137243, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.137243.
  9. M. V. Handley, Guidelines for the Placement of Artificial Reefs, vol. 43, no. 4. 2013. doi: 10.1163/157180897x00266.
  10. I. V. Matus, J. L. Alves, J. Góis, P. Vaz-Pires, and A. Barata da Rocha, “Artificial reefs through additive manufacturing: a review of their design, purposes and fabrication process for marine restoration and management,” Rapid Prototyp. J., vol. 30, no. 11, pp. 87–122, 2024, doi: 10.1108/RPJ-07-2023-0222.
  11. T. L. Zimmerman and J. W. Martin, “Artificial Reef Matrix Structures (Arms): An Inexpensive and Effective Method for Collecting Coral Reef-Associated Invertebrates,” Gulf Caribb. Res., vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 59–64, 2004, doi: 10.18785/gcr.1601.08.
  12. A. S., “Preserving Our Oceans With 3D Printing: An Overview of Current Projects.” Accessed: Sep. 05, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.3dnatives.com/en/how-are-3d-printed-coral-reef-projects-revitalizing-marine-biodiversity-10-08234/#!
  13. L. T. Pham and J. Y. Huang, “3D printed artificial coral reefs : design and manufacture,” Low-carbon Mater. Green Constr., vol. 4, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s44242-024-00056-4.
  14. “Simplify3D Desktop Software.” [Online]. Available: https://www.simplify3d.com/
  15. G. University, “Mach3 CNC Control Software.” [Online]. Available: https://www.goodwin.edu/glossary/mach-3-cnc-control-software