Additively Manufactured Concrete Structures 2026

Summer school 2026

The field of Additive Manufacturing (AM) of cementitious materials, particularly through 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP), is undergoing rapid development and growing interest within the construction industry. Building on the success of the three previous editions - which brought together participants and experts from across the globe - the fourth edition of the Summer School further benefit from the experience gained in delivering high-level academic and practical training in this emerging domain. Significant advancements continue to be made in materials science, production technologies, and the innovative design of high-TRL (Technology Readiness Level) projects. However, a structured academic framework for researchers involved in the digital design-to-fabrication workflow is still urgently needed to enhance the socio-economic and environmental benefits of 3DCP implementation.

The main objective of this Summer School is to equip participants with advanced multidisciplinary skills, covering analytical, numerical, and practical aspects of 3DCP (leveraging both field-scale demonstrations and interlaboratory knowledge) for the design and construction of concrete structures. Expert-led lectures from internationally recognized researchers will address cutting-edge scientific topics. Participants will also be encouraged to share and discuss their own research, fostering meaningful peer-to-peer exchange and professional development.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Registration by 30 April, through on-line form
  • Registration fee: 350 € for Master and PhD students – 600 € for post-doc, senior researchers, professionals, companies
  • Registration fee payment procedure: follow the on-line form available from May 2026
  • Included with the registration fee: lunches and coffee breaks for the 5 days of the Summer School, social event, printed book of lecture notes, printing of the poster for the Summer School competition (350 € prize).
  • Course days: 13-17 July 2026

PARTICIPANTS

International Lecturers

Invited Talks

Attendants

  • Ph.D. students
  • Postdoctoral researchers
  • Practitioners interested in research and applications of additively manufactured structures

COURSE OUTLINE

The main topics addressed in the Summer school are:

  • Additive Manufacturing processes using concrete
  • Construction materials adopted in 3DCP
  • Rheological requirements to control the printing process
  • Mechanical-physical characterization in the fresh state
  • Mechanical-physical characterization in the hardened state
  • Analytical and numerical modeling of the printing process/layered structure
  • Reinforcement technologies
  • Structural optimization based on free-form capabilities
  • Structural analysis and approval in large-scale applications
  • Examples and practical applications

FINAL PROGRAM

Monday July 13, 2026 – Day 1

12.00 – 12.45: Registration of participants

12.45 – 14.00: Welcome Lunch

14.00 – 14.45 | Costantino Menna - Freek Bos: Introduction and presentation of AMCS-2026

14.45 – 15.30 | Freek Bos: AM Processes with concrete

15.30 – 16.30 | Jaques Kruger: How to print & cure

16.30 – 17.00: Coffee Break

17.00 – 17.45 | Invited Talk nr.1 – Liberato Ferrara: 3DCP Rheology: advanced simulation tools

17.45 – 18.15 | Invited Talk nr.2 – Daniel Weger: 3DCP applications in practice

18.15 –            : Walking/Aperitif around Villa Ferretti (not included in the SC fee)

Tuesday July 14, 2026 – Day 2

09.00 – 09.45| Freek Bos: 3DCP Projects in practice

09.45 – 10.45|  Arnaud Perrot: Materials & Rheology basics – Part I

10.45 – 11.05: Coffee Break

11.05 – 12.05| Arnaud Perrot: Materials & Rheology basics – Part II

12.05 – 13.05| Jaques Kruger: Fresh state characterization – Part I

13.05 – 14.15: Lunch Break

14.15 – 15.15| Jaques Kruger: Fresh state characterization – Part II

15.15 – 19.15: Guided Tour - Piscina Mirabilis and Submerged Archaeological Park of Baia

19.30 –           : Social dinner (offered by the Summer School)

Wednesday July 15, 2026 – Day 3

09.00 – 10.00 | Arnaud Perrot: Materials & Rheology – modeling and applications – Part I

10.00 – 11.00:| Arnaud Perrot: Materials & Rheology – modeling and applications – Part II

11.00 – 11.20: Coffee Break

11.20 – 12.20 | Jaques Kruger: Modeling of print process

12.20 – 13.20 | Freek Bos: Hardened state characterization and properties

13.20 – 14.30: Lunch Break

14.30 – 16.30 | Printing Session preparation – Galdi (Etesias), Esposito (HeidelbergMaterials)

16.30 – 17.00: Coffee Break

17.00 – 17.30 | Invited Talk nr.3 – Inka Mai: Injection 3D Concrete Printing

Thursday July 16, 2026 – Day 4

08.30 – 10.00: Transfer to printing site for practical session

10.00 – 13.30 | Laboratory Visit - Practical printing session

13.30 – 14.30: Lunch Break   

14.30 – 15.30: Transfer to the SC venue

15.30 – 16.30 | Poster Session and research presentation by participants

16.30 – 17.00: Coffee Break

17.00 – 18.00 | Feedback Session

Friday July 17, 2026 – Day 5

09.00 – 10.30 | Freek Bos: Reinforcement technologies

10.30 – 11.00:  Coffee Break

11.00 – 12.30 | Costantino Menna: Structural analysis and principles

12.30 – 13.30: Lunch Break

13.30 – 14.15 | Costantino Menna: Structural Optimization - basics for 3DCP applications

14.15 – 15.00 | Final Discussion Session

15.00 – 15.30 | Poster Session Award and Closing of the Summer School

15.30 – 16.30: Goodbye Coffee Break

CONTACTS

THE VENUE

Bacoli

The Summer School will be held at Villa Ferretti, a beautifully restored historical villa located in Bacoli, in the heart of the Campi Flegrei area, just west of Naples. Overlooking the Gulf of Naples and set against the backdrop of the Aragonese Castle of Baia, the venue offers a unique blend of architectural heritage, natural beauty, and cultural significance.

Originally commissioned in the 1940s and later acquired by the Campania Region, Villa Ferretti has been repurposed as a center for education and public engagement. Surrounded by a panoramic terrace and Mediterranean gardens, it provides an inspiring setting for learning, discussion, and international collaboration.

The Campi Flegrei, or Phlegraean Fields, are a large volcanic area known since antiquity for their geothermal activity and mythological significance. This territory was a vital part of the Roman Empire, hosting imperial villas, thermal baths, and ports, many of which are still visible today in an exceptional concentration of archaeological sites. The area continues to be a crossroads of history, science, and landscape, offering a truly immersive experience in one of Italy's richest cultural regions.

SOCIAL EVENT - GUIDED TOUR

Baia

This year's Summer School Social event will take place in the fascinating setting of Bacoli, with a half-day guided tour of two of the most iconic cultural sites in the Phlegraean Fields: the Piscina Mirabilis and the Submerged Archaeological Park of Baia on Tuesday, July 14th (Day 2). Both sites are located within short distance of the Summer School venue and, together, offer a unique cultural and historical experience in the heart of the Campi Flegrei area.

The Piscina Mirabilis is one of the most impressive Roman cisterns in the Mediterranean area, carved into the tuff hill of Bacoli: with its monumental pillars and vaulted spaces, it offers a striking example of Roman hydraulic engineering and architectural mastery. The Submerged Archaeological Park of Baia is an ancient Roman seaside city now lying below sea level: through a glass-bottom boat tour, participants will be able to observe submerged villas, mosaics, columns, and archaeological remains while experiencing the cultural landscape of the Phlegraean coast from the sea.

We will conclude the visit with a social dinner at a nearby restaurant, providing a relaxed occasion for informal networking and discussion. We are delighted to offer this event to all Summer School participants: all costs related to tour tickets and social dinner are fully covered by the Organization.

TRAVEL INFO

How to arrive to Villa Ferretti (Bacoli)

Villa Ferretti

From Rome to Naples

  • From Rome Airport Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport: follow the pedestrian path to take the Leonardo Express train, or other regional trains to Roma Termini, the main train station in Rome. The journey with Leonardo Express takes approximately 30 minutes. Train tickets can be purchased at the airport or at the train station.
  • By train, from Roma Termini, the main train station in Rome. Take a train to Naples Central Station/Napoli Centrale. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the type of train (fast or regional, respectively). Train tickets can be purchased at the station or online in advance.

From Naples to Villa Ferretti (Bacoli)

  • From Naples Capodichino Airport: take the Alibus shuttle service that connects the airport to Naples Central Station/Napoli Centrale. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
  • From Naples Train Central Station: once you arrive in Naples Central Station/Napoli Centrale, make your way to Bacoli and Villa Ferretti. Participants can reach the venue using public transportation in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, following the recommended options:
  1. Metro Line 2: from Napoli Centrale, take Metro Line 2 towards Pozzuoli Solfatara. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
  2. EAV Bus 101: exit the station and walk to the nearby bus stop on Via Solfatara. Board the bus line 101 heading towards Monte di Procida and take off at Bacoli - Via Castello stop. The bus ride takes approximately 50 minutes.
  3. Walk to Villa Ferretti: from the bus stop, it's a short 2-minute walk to Villa Ferretti, located at Via Castello, 14.

 

SUGGESTED HOTELS

The following list includes some suggested accommodation in Bacoli and Pozzuoli. Please be aware that July is the high season in Naples and surrounding areas. If no options within walking distance from Villa Ferretti are available, we recommend considering accommodation in the Pozzuoli municipality, as the Summer School organization will provide a shuttle service to and from the venue (approximately 15-20 minutes ride). This option is also convenient for those who choose to stay in Naples as their base location.

Bacoli

Pozzuoli

PARTNERS

The Summer school is supported by:

rilem-fib

 

in collaboration with:

HM ETESIAS AMCS

Attachments: