Skip to content

3D Printing Recycled Concrete Incorporating Plant-Fibers (2024-03)

A Comprehensive Review

10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135951

Lu Yue,  Xiao Jianzhuang, Li Yan
Journal Article - Construction and Building Materials, Vol. 425, No. 135951

Abstract

This study explores the integration of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) with recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and plant fibres, highlighting its role in advancing sustainable construction practices. The findings demonstrate that plant fibres enhance the mechanical and thermal properties and environmental impact of normal concrete and RAC, including the improvements in compressive, flexural, fracture characteristics. Building on these substantial enhancements, the study further investigates the potential of combining 3DCP with plant fibre-reinforced RAC. Researches indicate that fibres can mitigate the negative performance impacts brought about by the use of RAC in 3D printing, particularly in terms of tensile and flexural resistance. Based on these findings, the introduction of plant fibres is expected to optimise the mechanical properties while also having a notable impact on carbon emissions. This synergy between 3DCP and plant fibre-reinforced RAC not only aligns with sustainable construction goals but also marks a significant shift towards environmentally responsible practices and innovations in the construction industry.

68 References

  1. Abdalla Hadeer, Fattah Kazi, Abdallah Mohamed, Tamimi Adil (2021-10)
    Environmental Footprint and Economics of a Full-Scale 3D Printed House
  2. Agustí-Juan Isolda, Müller Florian, Hack Norman, Wangler Timothy et al. (2017-04)
    Potential Benefits of Digital Fabrication for Complex Structures:
    Environmental Assessment of a Robotically Fabricated Concrete Wall
  3. Ahmed Ghafur, Askandar Nasih, Jumaa Ghazi (2022-07)
    A Review of Large-Scale 3DCP:
    Material-Characteristics, Mix-Design, Printing-Process, and Reinforcement-Strategies
  4. Alhumayani Hashem, Gomaa Mohamed, Soebarto Veronica, Jabi Wassim (2020-06)
    Environmental Assessment of Large-Scale 3D Printing in Construction:
    A Comparative Study between Cob and Concrete
  5. Allouzi Rawan, Azhari Wael, Allouzi Rabab (2020-05)
    Conventional Construction and 3D Printing:
    A Comparison Study on Material-Cost in Jordan
  6. Arunothayan Arun, Nematollahi Behzad, Ranade Ravi, Bong Shin et al. (2021-02)
    Fiber-Orientation Effects on Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Formed by 3D Printing
  7. Bai Gang, Wang Li, Ma Guowei, Sanjayan Jay et al. (2021-03)
    3D Printing Eco-Friendly Concrete Containing Under-Utilised and Waste Solids as Aggregates
  8. Bai Meiyan, Wu Yuching, Xiao Jianzhuang, Ding Tao et al. (2023-04)
    Workability and Hardened Properties of 3D Printed Engineered Cementitious Composites Incorporating Recycled Sand and PE-Fibers
  9. Baz Bilal, Aouad Georges, Rémond Sébastien (2020-01)
    Effect of the Printing Method and Mortar’s Workability on Pull-Out Strength of 3D Printed Elements
  10. Bos Freek, Ahmed Zeeshan, Jutinov Evgeniy, Salet Theo (2017-11)
    Experimental Exploration of Metal-Cable as Reinforcement in 3D Printed Concrete
  11. Bos Freek, Menna Costantino, Pradena Mauricio, Kreiger Eric et al. (2022-03)
    The Realities of Additively Manufactured Concrete Structures in Practice
  12. Caron Jean-François, Demont Léo, Ducoulombier Nicolas, Mesnil Romain (2021-06)
    3D Printing of Mortar with Continuous Fibers:
    Principle, Properties and Potential for Application
  13. Cesaretti Giovanni, Dini Enrico, Kestelier Xavier, Colla Valentina et al. (2013-08)
    Building Components for an Outpost on the Lunar Soil by Means of a Novel 3D Printing Technology
  14. Chen Yu, Jansen Koen, Zhang Hongzhi, Rodríguez Claudia et al. (2020-07)
    Effect of Printing-Parameters on Inter-Layer Bond Strength of 3D Printed Limestone-Calcined-Clay-Based Cementitious Materials:
    An Experimental and Numerical Study
  15. Christen Heidi, Zijl Gideon, Villiers Wibke (2022-05)
    The Incorporation of Recycled Brick-Aggregate in 3D Printed Concrete
  16. Ding Tao, Xiao Jianzhuang, Zou Shuai, Wang Yu (2020-06)
    Hardened Properties of Layered 3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Sand
  17. Ding Tao, Xiao Jianzhuang, Zou Shuai, Yu Jiangtao (2021-03)
    Flexural Properties of 3D Printed Fiber-Reinforced Concrete with Recycled Sand
  18. Ding Tao, Xiao Jianzhuang, Zou Shuai, Zhou Xinji (2020-08)
    Anisotropic Behavior in Bending of 3D Printed Concrete Reinforced with Fibers
  19. Ennab Lena, Dixit Manish, Birgisson Bjorn, Kumar Pranav (2022-04)
    Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Large-Scale 3D Printing Utilizing Kaolinite-Based Calcium-Sulfoaluminate-Cement Concrete and Conventional Construction
  20. Gislason Styrmir, Bruhn Simon, Breseghello Luca, Sen Burak et al. (2022-06)
    Porous 3D Printed Concrete Beams Show an Environmental Promise:
    A Cradle-to-Grave Comparative Life Cycle Assessment
  21. Hao Lucen, Xiao Jianzhuang, Sun Jingting, Xia Bing et al. (2022-06)
    Thermal Conductivity of 3D Printed Concrete With Recycled Fine Aggregate Composite Phase-Change-Materials
  22. Hierden Naomi, Gauvin Florent, Lucas Sandra, Salet Theo et al. (2021-06)
    Use of Hemp-Fibers in 3D Printed Concrete
  23. Hosseini Ehsan, Zakertabrizi Mohammad, Korayem Asghar, Xu Guanzhong (2019-03)
    A Novel Method to Enhance the Inter-Layer Bonding of 3D Printing Concrete:
    An Experimental and Computational Investigation
  24. Hosseini Ehsan, Zakertabrizi Mohammad, Korayem Asghar, Zaker Zafar et al. (2020-06)
    Orbital Overlapping Through Induction Bonding Overcomes the Intrinsic Delamination of 3D Printed Cementitious Binders
  25. Ivaniuk Egor, Müller Steffen, Neef Tobias, Mechtcherine Viktor (2021-11)
    Strategies for Integrating Reinforcement Into 3D Concrete Printing at the TU Dresden
  26. Jones Kathryn, Li Mo (2023-06)
    Life Cycle Assessment of Ultra-Tall Wind Turbine Towers Comparing Concrete Additive Manufacturing to Conventional Manufacturing
  27. Kazemian Ali, Yuan Xiao, Cochran Evan, Khoshnevis Behrokh (2017-04)
    Cementitious Materials for Construction-Scale 3D Printing:
    Laboratory Testing of Fresh Printing Mixture
  28. Le Thanh, Austin Simon, Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard et al. (2012-01)
    Hardened Properties of High-Performance Printing Concrete
  29. Li Zhijian, Wang Li, Ma Guowei (2020-01)
    Mechanical Improvement of Continuous Steel-Micro-Cable-Reinforced Geopolymer Composites for 3D Printing Subjected to Different Loading Conditions
  30. Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard, Le Thanh, Austin Simon et al. (2011-07)
    Developments in Construction-Scale Additive Manufacturing Processes
  31. Lim Jian, Panda Biranchi, Pham Quang-Cuong (2018-05)
    Improving Flexural Characteristics of 3D Printed Geopolymer Composites with In-Process Steel-Cable-Reinforcement
  32. Lim Jian, Zhang Xu, Ting Guan, Pham Quang-Cuong (2021-02)
    Stress-Cognizant 3D Printing of Free-Form Concrete Structures
  33. Liu Qiong, Cheng Shengbo, Peng Bin, Chen Kailun et al. (2024-01)
    The Buildability and Flexural Properties of 3D Printed Recycled Mortar Reinforced with Synchronized Steel-Cable Under Different Reinforcement Ratios
  34. Liu Qiong, Cheng Shengbo, Sun Chang, Chen Kailun et al. (2023-11)
    Steel-Cable Bonding in Fresh Mortar and 3D Printed Beam Flexural Behavior
  35. Liu Huawei, Liu Chao, Wu Yiwen, Bai Guoliang et al. (2022-09)
    3D Printing Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregates:
    The Influence of Pore-Structure on Inter-Layer Adhesion
  36. Liu Huawei, Liu Chao, Wu Yiwen, Bai Guoliang et al. (2022-06)
    Hardened Properties of 3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregate
  37. Liu Chao, Wang Zhihui, Wu Yiwen, Liu Huawei et al. (2023-02)
    3D Printing Concrete with Recycled Sand:
    The Influence Mechanism of Extruded Pore-Defects on Constitutive Relationship
  38. Liu Haoran, Xiao Jianzhuang, Ding Tao (2023-03)
    Flexural Performance of 3D Printed Composite Beams with ECC and Recycled Fine Aggregate Concrete:
    Experimental and Numerical Analysis
  39. Liu Chenkang, Yue Songlin, Zhou Cong, Sun Honglei et al. (2021-08)
    Anisotropic Mechanical Properties of Extrusion-Based 3D Printed Layered Concrete
  40. Ma Lei, Zhang Qing, Lombois-Burger Hélène, Jia Zijian et al. (2022-09)
    Pore-Structure, Internal Relative Humidity, and Fiber-Orientation of 3D Printed Concrete with Polypropylene-Fiber and Their Relation with Shrinkage
  41. Marchment Taylor, Sanjayan Jay, Xia Ming (2019-03)
    Method of Enhancing Inter-Layer Bond Strength in Construction-Scale 3D Printing with Mortar by Effective Bond Area Amplification
  42. Mohammad Malek, Masad Eyad, Ghamdi Sami (2020-12)
    3D Concrete Printing Sustainability:
    A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Four Construction Method Scenarios
  43. Motalebi Arash, Khondoker Mohammad, Kabir Golam (2023-08)
    A Systematic Review of Life Cycle Assessments of 3D Concrete Printing
  44. Mousavi Seyed, Dehestani Mehdi (2022-08)
    Influence of Latex and Vinyl Disposable Gloves as Recycled Fibers in 3D Printing Sustainable Mortars
  45. Pan Zuanfeng, Si Doudou, Tao Jinghong, Xiao Jianzhuang (2023-02)
    Compressive Behavior of 3D Printed Concrete with Different Printing Paths and Concrete Ages
  46. Panda Biranchi, Mohamed Nisar, Paul Suvash, Bhagath Singh Gangapatnam et al. (2019-07)
    The Effect of Material Fresh Properties and Process Parameters on Buildability and Inter-Layer Adhesion of 3D Printed Concrete
  47. Panda Biranchi, Paul Suvash, Mohamed Nisar, Tay Yi et al. (2017-09)
    Measurement of Tensile Bond Strength of 3D Printed Geopolymer Mortar
  48. Rahul Attupurathu, Mohan Manu, Schutter Geert, Tittelboom Kim (2021-10)
    3D Printable Concrete with Natural and Recycled Coarse Aggregates:
    Rheological, Mechanical and Shrinkage Behavior
  49. Rizzieri Giacomo, Ferrara Liberato, Cremonesi Massimiliano (2023-07)
    Numerical Simulation of the Extrusion and Layer-Deposition-Processes in 3D Concrete Printing with the Particle-Finite-Element-Method
  50. Roussel Nicolas (2018-05)
    Rheological Requirements for Printable Concretes
  51. Salman Nazar, Ma Guowei, Ijaz Nauman, Wang Li (2021-04)
    Importance and Potential of Cellulosic Materials and Derivatives in Extrusion-Based 3D Concrete Printing:
    Prospects and Challenges
  52. Sambucci Matteo, Biblioteca Ilario, Valente Marco (2023-01)
    Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of 3D Concrete Printing and Casting Processes for Cementitious Materials Incorporating Ground Waste Tire Rubber
  53. Sanjayan Jay, Nematollahi Behzad, Xia Ming, Marchment Taylor (2018-04)
    Effect of Surface Moisture on Inter-Layer Strength of 3D Printed Concrete
  54. Shakor Pshtiwan, Nejadi Shami, Sutjipto Sheila, Paul Gavin et al. (2020-01)
    Effects of Deposition-Velocity in the Presence-Absence of E6-Glass-Fiber on Extrusion-Based 3D Printed Mortar
  55. Sonebi Mohammed, Dedenis Marie, Abdalqader Ahmed, Perrot Arnaud (2021-11)
    Effect of Red Mud, Nano-Clay, and Natural Fiber on Fresh and Rheological Properties of Three-Dimensional Concrete Printing
  56. Tay Yi, Li Mingyang, Tan Ming (2019-04)
    Effect of Printing Parameters in 3D Concrete Printing:
    Printing Region and Support Structures
  57. Tinoco Matheus, Mendonça Érica, Fernandez Letízia, Caldas Lucas et al. (2022-04)
    Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Sustainability of Cementitious Materials for 3D Concrete Printing:
    A Systematic Literature Review
  58. Tran Mien, Cu Yen, Le Chau (2021-10)
    Rheology and Shrinkage of Concrete Using Polypropylene-Fiber for 3D Concrete Printing
  59. Vlieger Jentel, Boehme Luc, Blaakmeer Jan, Li Jiabin (2023-01)
    Buildability-Assessment of Mortar with Fine Recycled Aggregates for 3D Printing
  60. Wan Qian, Wang Li, Ma Guowei (2020-07)
    Adaptable Tool-Path-Planning Method for 3D Concrete Printing Based on the Mapping Method
  61. Weng Yiwei, Li Mingyang, Ruan Shaoqin, Wong Teck et al. (2020-03)
    Comparative Economic, Environmental and Productivity-Assessment of a Concrete Bathroom Unit Fabricated Through 3D Printing and a Pre-Cast Approach
  62. Wu Yiwen, Liu Chao, Liu Huawei, Zhang Zhenzi et al. (2021-07)
    Study on the Rheology and Buildability of 3D Printed Concrete with Recycled Coarse Aggregates
  63. Wu Peng, Wang Jun, Wang Xiangyu (2016-04)
    A Critical Review of the Use of 3D Printing in the Construction Industry
  64. Xiao Jianzhuang, Han Nv, Zhang Lihai, Zou Shuai (2021-05)
    Mechanical and Microstructural Evolution of 3D Printed Concrete with Polyethylene-Fiber and Recycled Sand at Elevated Temperatures
  65. Zareiyan Babak, Khoshnevis Behrokh (2017-08)
    Effects of Interlocking on Inter-Layer Adhesion and Strength of Structures in 3D Printing of Concrete
  66. Zhang Jingchuan, Wang Jialiang, Dong Sufen, Yu Xun et al. (2019-07)
    A Review of the Current Progress and Application of 3D Printed Concrete
  67. Zhang Ruo-Chen, Wang Li, Xue Xuan, Ma Guowei (2023-02)
    Environmental Profile of 3D Concrete Printing Technology in Desert Areas via Life Cycle Assessment
  68. Zou Shuai, Xiao Jianzhuang, Duan Zhenhua, Ding Tao et al. (2021-10)
    On Rheology of Mortar with Recycled Fine Aggregate for 3D Printing

20 Citations

  1. Cui Xiaoshuang, Pu Xianghao, Zhang Dongyang, Li Weihong et al. (2025-12)
    Study on the Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Continuous Jute Yarn-Reinforced Concrete
  2. Garshasbi Sajad, Mousavi Seyed, Dehestani Mehdi, Nazarpour Hadi (2025-10)
    Sustainable Production of 3D Concrete Printing Using Agricultural Waste Fibers
  3. Singh Amardeep, Yang Song, Wang Dianchao, Xiao Jianzhuang et al. (2025-09)
    Critical Threshold Fiber Content for Freeze-Thaw Resistance in 3D-Printed Concrete
  4. Luo Surong, Jin Wenhao, Zhang Zhaorui, Zhang Kaijian (2025-09)
    Constitutive Relationship of 3D Printed Fiber Reinforced Recycled Sand Concrete Under Uniaxial Compression
  5. Liu Shijie, Liu Tong, Alqurashi Muwaffaq, Abdou Elabbasy Ahmed et al. (2025-09)
    Advancing 3D-Printed Fiber-Reinforced Concrete for Sustainable Construction:
    A Comparative Optimization Based Study of Hybrid Machine Intelligence Models for Predicting Mechanical Strength and CO₂ Emissions
  6. Disu Oluwatimilehin, Ismail Sikiru, Wood Luke, Chrysanthou Andreas et al. (2025-08)
    Experimental Study on Buildability of 3D-Printed Cement-Based Structures Using Aluminium Sulphate
  7. Medeiros Fernanda, Anjos Marcos, Maia José, Dias Leonardo et al. (2025-08)
    Effect of Sisal Fibers on the Behavior of 3D-Printed Cementitious Mixtures Exposed to High Temperatures
  8. Panchal Priyanka, Choi Myoungsung (2025-07)
    A Review on Effect of Natural Fibers to Mitigate CO2 Footprint and Enhance Engineering Properties of 3D Printing Concrete
  9. Dai Pengfei, Luo Zhenhua, Wang Yalun, Mbabazi Justin et al. (2025-06)
    Waste Plastic Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Cavity Structures Manufactured by Mortar Extrusion 3D Printing
  10. Ding Tao, Qu Changwei, Guo Dingming (2025-06)
    Thermal and Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Functionally Graded Concrete:
    Utilizing Fibers and Recycled Aggregates as Gradient Components
  11. Álvarez-Fernández Martina, Guerrero-Miguel Diego-José, González-Nicieza Celestino, Prendes-Gero María et al. (2025-06)
    Mortars with Mining Tailings Aggregates:
    Implications for Additive Manufacturing
  12. Mishra Sanjeet, Snehal K., Das B., Chandrasekaran Rajasekaran et al. (2025-05)
    From Printing to Performance:
    A Review on 3D Concrete Printing Processes, Materials, and Life Cycle Assessment
  13. Jia Lutao, Dong Enlai, Xia Kailun, Niu Geng et al. (2025-04)
    Initial Plastic Shrinkage of 3D-Printed Concrete Incorporating Recycled Brick Fine Aggregates:
    Insights from Water Transport and Structural Evolution
  14. Gardan Julien, Hedjazi Lofti, Attajer Ali (2025-02)
    Additive Manufacturing in Construction:
    State of the Art and Emerging Trends in Civil Engineering
  15. Prasittisopin Lapyote (2024-11)
    How 3D Printing Technology Makes Cities Smarter:
    A Review, Thematic Analysis, and Perspectives
  16. Adamtsevich Liubov, Pustovgar Andrey, Adamtsevich Aleksey (2024-10)
    Assessing the Prospects and Risks of Delivering Sustainable Urban Development Through 3D Concrete Printing Implementation
  17. Du Guoqiang, Qian Ye (2024-10)
    Bio-Inspired Innovations in 3D Concrete Printing:
    Structures, Materials and Applications
  18. Shivendra Bandoorvaragerahalli, Sharath Chandra Sathvik, Singh Atul, Kumar Rakesh et al. (2024-09)
    A Path Towards SDGs:
    Investigation of the Challenges in Adopting 3D Concrete Printing in India
  19. Aldabergenova Gaziza, Jexembayeva Assel, Konkanov Marat, Kirgizbayev Akpan et al. (2024-09)
    The Efficient Waste-Based Fine-Grained Fiber Concretes for 3D Printing
  20. Lee Jae, Park Boo (2024-09)
    A Study on Eco-Friendly Materials for 3D Printing:
    Focused on Korean Hwangto(Loess)

BibTeX 
@article{lu_xiao_li.2024.3PRCIPF,
  author            = "Yue Lu and Jianzhuang Xiao and Yan Li",
  title             = "3D Printing Recycled Concrete Incorporating Plant-Fibers: A Comprehensive Review",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135951",
  year              = "2024",
  journal           = "Construction and Building Materials",
  volume            = "425",
  pages             = "135951",
}
Formatted Citation

Y. Lu, J. Xiao and Y. Li, “3D Printing Recycled Concrete Incorporating Plant-Fibers: A Comprehensive Review”, Construction and Building Materials, vol. 425, p. 135951, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135951.

Lu, Yue, Jianzhuang Xiao, and Yan Li. “3D Printing Recycled Concrete Incorporating Plant-Fibers: A Comprehensive Review”. Construction and Building Materials 425 (2024): 135951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135951.