Michiel Bekaert

Papers

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About

Michiel Bekaert is a researcher at the forefront of digital fabrication and sustainable construction, with a particular focus on the innovative use of 3D-printed concrete as formwork. His work bridges the gap between additive manufacturing and structural engineering, exploring how printed concrete can serve not only as a final building element but also as a reusable or sacrificial mold for more complex geometries. In his notable preliminary study, "Printed Concrete as Formwork Material" (2020), Bekaert demonstrated the potential to reduce material waste and labor costs by replacing traditional timber or steel formwork with custom-printed concrete shells. Though still early in his career, his contributions are gaining traction—his most cited paper has already garnered 5 citations, signaling growing interest from the construction and materials science communities. Bekaert’s research is particularly impactful for students and practitioners seeking to decarbonize the built environment through automation and precision. By rethinking formwork as an active, structural component, he is helping to pave the way for more efficient, less wasteful construction practices that could reshape how we build in the coming decades.