Review on sustainability in 3D concrete printing: focus on waste utilization and life cycle assessment

Abstract

Constructions using 3D printing are supposed to have potential benefits in sustainability, increased construction productivity, resource efficiency. Having spectacular benefits in the construction era, it announces many demanding challenges in the selection of appropriate material. When agro-industrial wastes are incorporated into concrete materials, 3D printing may also have significant benefits for sustainability. This paper's primary goal is to examine the sustainability aspects considered in delivering 3D printed structured mainly from raw precursors and life cycle assessment perspective. Initial data bases collected from search engines like google scholar, science direct was further scrutinized for selecting the papers. This study reviews mix composition used for printing 3D assembly using waste material like Granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, silica fume etc. Effectiveness of the waste materials contributing to mechanical and fresh characteristics are explored. Industrial waste mostly be dumped found to have significant impact printability properties also contributing to sustainability aspects. Nonetheless, life cycle assessment (LCA) results are used to show how using wastes in 3D printing concrete materials affects environment in comparison to using traditional materials. Study deals with three pillars of sustainability i.e., Economical, environmental and sustainability. Outcome of the paper will help the researcher to optimally choose the waste precursors to deliver quality 3D printed structure with sustainable perspective.