Skip to content

The Status Quo of 3D Concrete Printing (2024-09)

Are We There Yet?

10.21809/rilemtechlett.2023.197

 Wolfs Robert
Journal Article - RILEM Technical Letters, Vol. 8, pp. 182-189

Abstract

The technology of 3D concrete printing has seen a rapid growth in industrial applications and academic activities over the past decade. 3D Printing is being advertised to address the urgent sustainability and productivity challenges in the field of construction, by reducing the total amount of concrete in buildings or structures, and by producing them in an automated, high-speed and robust manner. Today, however, 3D concrete printing does not yet live up to its full potential. In this contribution, the advancements in recent years are discussed, and the status quo of the technology is assessed from a productivity and sustainability perspective. Finally, recommendations for the next steps in the development towards a higher efficiency and reduced environmental impact are provided.

77 References

  1. Ahmed Zeeshan, Wolfs Robert, Bos Freek, Salet Theo (2021-11)
    A Framework for Large-Scale Structural Applications of 3D Printed Concrete:
    The Case of a 29m Bridge in the Netherlands
  2. Asprone Domenico, Menna Costantino, Bos Freek, Salet Theo et al. (2018-06)
    Rethinking Reinforcement for Digital Fabrication with Concrete
  3. 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
  4. Bekkering Juliette, Kuit Barbara, Biffi Alessia, Ahmed Zeeshan (2020-07)
    Architectonic Explorations of the Possibilities of 3D Concrete Printing:
    The Historic Building Fragment as Inspiration for New Applications with 3D Concrete Printing in Architecture
  5. Bhattacherjee Shantanu, Basavaraj Anusha, Rahul Attupurathu, Santhanam Manu et al. (2021-06)
    Sustainable Materials for 3D Concrete Printing
  6. Bhooshan Shajay, Bhooshan Vishu, Dell’Endice Alessandro, Chu Jianfei et al. (2022-06)
    The Striatus Bridge
  7. Bi Minghao, Tran Jonathan, Xia Lingwei, Ma Guowei et al. (2022-06)
    Topology-Optimization for 3D Concrete Printing with Various Manufacturing-Constraints
  8. Bos Derk, Lucas Sandra, Blaakmeer Jan, Salet Theo et al. (2024-09)
    Development of the On-Line Gravity-Induced Compression-Test:
    The Inverse-Slugs-Test
  9. Bos Freek, Menna Costantino, Pradena Mauricio, Kreiger Eric et al. (2022-03)
    The Realities of Additively Manufactured Concrete Structures in Practice
  10. Bos Derk, Wolfs Robert (2022-06)
    Automated Visual Inspection of Near-Nozzle Droplet-Formation for Quality-Control of Additive Manufacturing
  11. Bos Derk, Wolfs Robert (2023-12)
    A Quality-Control Framework for Digital Fabrication with Concrete
  12. Bos Freek, Wolfs Robert, Ahmed Zeeshan, Salet Theo (2016-08)
    Additive Manufacturing of Concrete in Construction:
    Potentials and Challenges of 3D Concrete Printing
  13. Bos Freek, Wolfs Robert, Ahmed Zeeshan, Salet Theo (2018-09)
    Large-Scale Testing of Digitally Fabricated Concrete (DFC) Elements
  14. Breseghello Luca, Hajikarimian Hamed, Naboni Roberto (2024-05)
    3DLightSlab:
    Design to 3D Concrete Printing Workflow for Stress-Driven Ribbed Slabs
  15. Buswell Richard, Silva Wilson, Bos Freek, Schipper Roel et al. (2020-05)
    A Process Classification Framework for Defining and Describing Digital Fabrication with Concrete
  16. Buswell Richard, Silva Wilson, Jones Scott, Dirrenberger Justin (2018-06)
    3D Printing Using Concrete-Extrusion:
    A Roadmap for Research
  17. Carneau Paul, Mesnil Romain, Baverel Olivier, Roussel Nicolas (2022-03)
    Layer Pressing in Concrete Extrusion-Based 3D Printing:
    Experiments and Analysis
  18. Choi Myoungsung, Roussel Nicolas, Kim Youngjin, Kim Jinkeun (2013-01)
    Lubrication-Layer Properties During Concrete Pumping
  19. Comminal Raphaël, Serdeczny Marcin, Pedersen David, Spangenberg Jon (2019-06)
    Motion-Planning and Numerical Simulation of Material-Deposition at Corners in Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
  20. Ducoulombier Nicolas, Mesnil Romain, Carneau Paul, Demont Léo et al. (2021-05)
    The “Slugs-Test” for Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing:
    Protocol, Analysis and Practical Limits
  21. Fataei Shirin, Secrieru Egor, Mechtcherine Viktor, Roussel Nicolas (2021-07)
    A First-Order Physical Model for the Prediction of Shear-Induced Particle-Migration and Lubricating-Layer Formation During Concrete Pumping
  22. Flatt Robert, Wangler Timothy (2022-05)
    On Sustainability and Digital Fabrication with Concrete
  23. Gebhard Lukas, Mata-Falcón Jaime, Ammann Rebecca, Pressmair Nadine et al. (2024-08)
    Enhancing Structural Efficiency with Digital Concrete:
    Principles, Opportunities and Case Studies
  24. Geffrault Anatole, Bessaies-Bey Hela, Roussel Nicolas, Coussot Philippe (2023-08)
    Printing by Yield-Stress Fluid-Shaping
  25. Jacquet Yohan, Picandet Vincent, Rangeard Damien, Perrot Arnaud (2020-12)
    Gravity-Induced Flow to Characterize Rheological Properties of Printable Cement-Based Materials
  26. Khoshnevis Behrokh (2003-11)
    Automated Construction by Contour Crafting:
    Related Robotics and Information Technologies
  27. Khoshnevis Behrokh, Hwang Dooil, Yao Ke, Yeh Zhenghao (2006-05)
    Mega-Scale Fabrication by Contour Crafting
  28. Kloft Harald, Empelmann Martin, Hack Norman, Herrmann Eric et al. (2020-09)
    Reinforcement-Strategies for 3D Concrete Printing
  29. Kloft Harald, Krauss Hans-Werner, Hack Norman, Herrmann Eric et al. (2020-05)
    Influence of Process Parameters on the Inter-Layer Bond Strength of Concrete Elements Additive Manufactured by Shotcrete 3D Printing
  30. Kolawole John, Becker Daniel, Xu Jie, Dobrzanski James et al. (2022-06)
    Selected Test-Methods for Assessing Fresh and Plastic-State 3D Concrete Printing-Materials
  31. Kreiger Megan, Kreiger Eric, Mansour Stephan, Monkman Sean et al. (2024-09)
    Additive Construction in Practice:
    Realities of Acceptance Criteria
  32. Kruger Jacques, Cho Seung, Zeranka Stephan, Vintila Cristian et al. (2019-12)
    3D Concrete Printer Parameter Optimization for High-Rate Digital Construction Avoiding Plastic Collapse
  33. Kruger Jacques, Zeranka Stephan, Zijl Gideon (2019-07)
    3D Concrete Printing:
    A Lower-Bound Analytical Model for Buildability-Performance-Quantification
  34. Kruger Jacques, Zijl Gideon (2020-10)
    A Compendious Review on Lack-of-Fusion in Digital Concrete Fabrication
  35. Lanwer Jan-Paul, Weigel Hendrik, Baghdadi Abtin, Empelmann Martin et al. (2022-04)
    Jointing Principles in AMC:
    Design and Preparation of Dry Joints
  36. Le Thanh, Austin Simon, Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard et al. (2012-01)
    Hardened Properties of High-Performance Printing Concrete
  37. Le Thanh, Austin Simon, Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard et al. (2012-01)
    Mix-Design and Fresh Properties for High-Performance Printing Concrete
  38. Lim Sungwoo, Buswell Richard, Le Thanh, Austin Simon et al. (2011-07)
    Developments in Construction-Scale Additive Manufacturing Processes
  39. Lowke Dirk, Anton Ana-Maria, Buswell Richard, Jenny Ercan et al. (2024-09)
    Digital Fabrication with Concrete Beyond Horizontal Planar Layers
  40. Lowke Dirk, Dini Enrico, Perrot Arnaud, Weger Daniel et al. (2018-07)
    Particle-Bed 3D Printing in Concrete Construction:
    Possibilities and Challenges
  41. Ma Guowei, Buswell Richard, Silva Wilson, Wang Li et al. (2022-03)
    Technology Readiness:
    A Global Snapshot of 3D Concrete Printing and the Frontiers for Development
  42. Mai (née Dressler) Inka, Freund Niklas, Lowke Dirk (2020-01)
    The Effect of Accelerator Dosage on Fresh Concrete Properties and on Inter-Layer Strength in Shotcrete 3D Printing
  43. Mechtcherine Viktor, Bos Freek, Perrot Arnaud, Silva Wilson et al. (2020-03)
    Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing with Cement-Based Materials:
    Production Steps, Processes, and Their Underlying Physics
  44. Mechtcherine Viktor, Buswell Richard, Kloft Harald, Bos Freek et al. (2021-02)
    Integrating Reinforcement in Digital Fabrication with Concrete:
    A Review and Classification Framework
  45. Mechtcherine Viktor, Tittelboom Kim, Kazemian Ali, Kreiger Eric et al. (2022-04)
    A Roadmap for Quality-Control of Hardening and Hardened Printed Concrete
  46. Menna Costantino, Mata-Falcón Jaime, Bos Freek, Vantyghem Gieljan et al. (2020-04)
    Opportunities and Challenges for Structural Engineering of Digitally Fabricated Concrete
  47. Mir Namra, Khan Shoukat, Kul Anil, Şahin Oğuzhan et al. (2022-08)
    Life Cycle Assessment of Construction and Demolition Waste-Based Geopolymers Suited for Use in 3D Additive Manufacturing
  48. Mohan Manu, Rahul Attupurathu, Schutter Geert, Tittelboom Kim (2020-10)
    Extrusion-Based Concrete 3D Printing from a Material Perspective:
    A State of the Art Review
  49. Mollah Md., Comminal Raphaël, Serdeczny Marcin, Šeta Berin et al. (2023-05)
    Computational Analysis of Yield-Stress-Buildup and Stability of Deposited Layers in Material-Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
  50. Nerella Venkatesh, Näther Mathias, Iqbal Arsalan, Butler Marko et al. (2018-09)
    In-Line Quantification of Extrudability of Cementitious Materials for Digital Construction
  51. Pegna Joseph (1997-02)
    Exploratory Investigation of Solid Freeform Construction
  52. Perrot Arnaud, Jacquet Yohan, Caron Jean-François, Mesnil Romain et al. (2024-08)
    Snapshot on 3D Printing with Alternative Binders and Materials:
    Earth, Geopolymers, Gypsum and Low-Carbon Concrete
  53. Perrot Arnaud, Pierre Alexandre, Nerella Venkatesh, Wolfs Robert et al. (2021-07)
    From Analytical Methods to Numerical Simulations:
    A Process Engineering Toolbox for 3D Concrete Printing
  54. Perrot Arnaud, Rangeard Damien, Pierre Alexandre (2015-02)
    Structural Build-Up of Cement-Based Materials Used for 3D Printing-Extrusion-Techniques
  55. Reiter Lex, Wangler Timothy, Roussel Nicolas, Flatt Robert (2018-06)
    The Role of Early-Age Structural Build-Up in Digital Fabrication with Concrete
  56. 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
  57. Roussel Nicolas (2018-05)
    Rheological Requirements for Printable Concretes
  58. Roussel Nicolas, Buswell Richard, Ducoulombier Nicolas, Ivanova Irina et al. (2022-06)
    Assessing the Fresh Properties of Printable Cement-Based Materials:
    High-Potential Tests for Quality-Control
  59. Roussel Nicolas, Spangenberg Jon, Wallevik Jon, Wolfs Robert (2020-06)
    Numerical Simulations of Concrete Processing:
    From Standard Formative Casting to Additive Manufacturing
  60. Şahin Oğuzhan, İlcan Hüseyin, Ateşli Anıl, Kul Anil et al. (2021-05)
    Construction and Demolition Waste-Based Geopolymers Suited for Use in 3D Additive Manufacturing
  61. Suiker Akke (2018-01)
    Mechanical Performance of Wall Structures in 3D Printing Processes:
    Theory, Design Tools and Experiments
  62. Suiker Akke (2021-11)
    Effect of Accelerated Curing and Layer Deformations on Structural Failure During Extrusion-Based 3D Printing
  63. Suiker Akke, Wolfs Robert, Lucas Sandra, Salet Theo (2020-06)
    Elastic Buckling and Plastic Collapse During 3D Concrete Printing
  64. Tittelboom Kim, Mohan Dhanesh, Šavija Branko, Keita Emmanuel et al. (2024-08)
    On the Micro-and Meso-Structure and Durability of 3D Printed Concrete Elements
  65. Vantyghem Gieljan, Corte Wouter, Shakour Emad, Amir Oded (2020-01)
    3D Printing of a Post-Tensioned Concrete Girder Designed by Topology-Optimization
  66. Wang Xiaonan, Li Wengui, Guo Yipu, Kashani Alireza et al. (2024-02)
    Concrete 3D Printing Technology in Sustainable Construction:
    A Review on Raw Materials, Concrete Types and Performances
  67. Wangler Timothy, Pileggi Rafael, Gürel Şeyma, Flatt Robert (2022-03)
    A Chemical Process Engineering Look at Digital Concrete Processes:
    Critical Step Design, In-Line Mixing, and Scale-Up
  68. Wolfs Robert, Bos Derk, Caron Jean-François, Gerke Markus et al. (2024-08)
    On-Line and In-Line Quality-Assessment Across All Scale Levels of 3D Concrete Printing
  69. Wolfs Robert, Bos Freek, Salet Theo (2018-06)
    Correlation Between Destructive Compression Tests and Non-Destructive Ultrasonic Measurements on Early-Age 3D Printed Concrete
  70. Wolfs Robert, Bos Freek, Salet Theo (2018-02)
    Early-Age Mechanical Behaviour of 3D Printed Concrete:
    Numerical Modelling and Experimental Testing
  71. Wolfs Robert, Bos Freek, Salet Theo (2019-03)
    Hardened Properties of 3D Printed Concrete:
    The Influence of Process Parameters on Inter-Layer Adhesion
  72. Wolfs Robert, Bos Freek, Salet Theo (2019-06)
    Triaxial Compression Testing on Early-Age Concrete for Numerical Analysis of 3D Concrete Printing
  73. Wolfs Robert, Bos Derk, Salet Theo (2023-06)
    Lessons Learned of Project Milestone:
    The First 3D Printed Concrete House in the Netherlands
  74. Wolfs Robert, Salet Theo, Roussel Nicolas (2021-10)
    Filament-Geometry-Control in Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing of Concrete:
    The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
  75. Wolfs Robert, Suiker Akke (2019-06)
    Structural Failure During Extrusion-Based 3D Printing Processes
  76. Xiao Jianzhuang, Ji Guangchao, Zhang Yamei, Ma Guowei et al. (2021-06)
    Large-Scale 3D Printing Concrete Technology:
    Current Status and Future Opportunities
  77. Zhang Jing, Khoshnevis Behrokh (2012-09)
    Optimal Machine Operation Planning for Construction by Contour Crafting

2 Citations

  1. Federowicz Karol, Sibera Daniel, Tošić Nikola, Zieliński Adam et al. (2026-01)
    Early-Age Shrinkage Monitoring of 3D-Printed Cementitious Mixtures: Comparison of Measuring Techniques and Low-Cost Alternatives
  2. Barry Mamadou, Jacquet Yohan, Perrot Arnaud (2025-10)
    Pocket Vane and Penetrometer as Quality Control Tool for Extrusion 3D Concrete Printing

BibTeX 
@article{wolf.2024.TSQo3CP,
  author            = "Robert Johannes Maria Wolfs",
  title             = "The Status Quo of 3D Concrete Printing: Are We There Yet?",
  doi               = "10.21809/rilemtechlett.2023.197",
  year              = "2024",
  journal           = "RILEM Technical Letters",
  volume            = "8",
  pages             = "182--189",
}
Formatted Citation

R. J. M. Wolfs, “The Status Quo of 3D Concrete Printing: Are We There Yet?”, RILEM Technical Letters, vol. 8, pp. 182–189, 2024, doi: 10.21809/rilemtechlett.2023.197.

Wolfs, Robert Johannes Maria. “The Status Quo of 3D Concrete Printing: Are We There Yet?”. RILEM Technical Letters 8 (2024): 182–89. https://doi.org/10.21809/rilemtechlett.2023.197.