• 3D-printed structural elements are limited to compression-carrying members such as walls and columns; whereas the beams and slabs require reinforcement bars that make 3D printing equipment complex.
• Detailed 3D model development is required to determine the printer nozzle’s path plan for material deposition at the right locations.
• The above-mentioned difficulties are eased by introducing the concept of concrete 2D printing, eliminating the need for actuators for movement in the z-direction.

• A 2D printing system for the construction of concrete structures which does not have the degree of freedom in the vertical direction,
• The printer bed is mounted on a lifting mechanism that moves both upwards and downwards.

The method as claimed in the patent comprises:

• The structural elements to be printed consists of smaller 2D printable parts which are planar in shape
• The shape of 2D printable parts are designed such that there is efficient transfer of internal forces at the joints and material is provided only where it is needed to resist internal forces
• The geometry of the 2D printable parts is input to the system by marking with paint on the printer bed which is scanned by a camera mounted on the gantry system.

An example of a standard element used for constructing beams is shown in Fig 1a; wherein Part A is a planar member printed with the minimum thickness permitted by the size of the nozzle. Based on the printer bed size, multiple pieces are printed together and kept side by side to create the complete profile of the beam as shown in Fig 1b.