L2M – BIM Integrated Workflow for Defect Detection and Feedback in 3D Concrete Printing

This project will deliver a software plugin and workflow that seamlessly connects a Building Information Modeling (BIM) tool with 3D concrete printing (3DCP) systems. During the design phase, it will enable construction teams to generate, review, and refine concrete printing paths directly within the BIM environment, removing the need for separate tools. During printing, a depth-sensing camera combined with AI-driven machine vision will continuously monitor the build in real time to detect any defects, misalignments, or quality issues as they happen, allowing teams to address problems immediately. After the print is complete, the actual built geometry will be automatically fed back into the BIM model, creating an accurate digital twin of the finished structure.

This precise as-built digital record makes it easy to verify that the construction matches the intended design. This significantly reduces costly rework, material waste, and delays, while improving overall print quality through better documentation and verification. The workflow is currently at the research prototype stage. With support from the Lab2Market program, the focus will be on validating whether this idea solves real problems within the construction and 3DCP ecosystem. This will involve interviewing contractors, engineers, and 3DCP providers to understand their pain points around planning, quality assurance, and coordination, and to test if a BIM-integrated monitoring and quality control tool would be useful in practice. Based on this input, the project will identify likely early adopters, outline what a minimum viable product should include, and define a clear value proposition and simple business model. For the partner organization, this work will provide a grounded view of where the solution fits in the market, how it can create value for different stakeholders, and what concrete steps are needed to move toward future pilots and, eventually, commercialization.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gursans Guven Isin

Student:

Partner:

North Forge

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: