Performance, Applications, and Sustainability of 3D Printed Cement and Other Geomaterials (2023-04)¶

3D Printing technologies are now widely used in various industries and are being adopted in the construction industry globally. While recent papers have focused on structures, designs, and applications, this paper reviews 3D concrete Printing (3DCP) to include advancements in material development and new applications. The chemical characteristics of the cementitious binder dominantly govern the 3D Printing of cement and other geomaterials. Such factors influence the material’s printability, including flowability, extrudability, and buildability during the printing process. This paper also emphasizes future perspectives and social and economic impacts. Based on the available literature, the cost of 3D printed construction can potentially be lower than conventional methods due to topology optimization, reduced labor requirement, and avoiding over-engineering. 3DCP provides tremendous opportunities for future materials research and development and broader adoption. Interesting insights on the available materials and technologies, together with the capabilities and possible applications of this technology, can guide stakeholders in the building and infrastructure industries.