Integration of 3D Concrete Printing in the Construction Industry: A Short Review

Over the past decade 3D printing technology has completely changed the face of manufacturing industry. However, the full potential of this paradigm-shifting technology has not been fully seen yet. When used in large scale, 3D printing can have many applications in the construction industry. The perceived benefits of such implementation primarily include the ease of construction, as formworks are not required, which can consequently lead to smaller construction times, greater flexibility for complex designs and potentially reduced waste. Upon discussing the main benefits, applications of 3D printed concrete structures are presented and the printing process is briefly reviewed. To allow for cost and time efficiency and sufficient printing quality, past research has focused on concrete’s workability and mechanical properties. Reported data from recent experimental studies on 3D printed concrete materials are collated and results in terms of mix proportion design, compressive strength, speed rate are discussed. Finally, the potential of future applications is summarised