DEVELOPMENT OF 3D CONCRETE PRINTING FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48047/za1mjw53Keywords:
life cycle assessment; additive manufacturing; sustainability; green concrete; environmental footprint; geo-polymer (GP) concrete.Abstract
This study emphasizes the need for sustainability in the construction sector by examining the environmental impact of a specific 3D printing technique. Drawing from an engineering-focused 3D printing project, it explores various scenarios and performs a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) using SimaPro 9.5.0 software. The findings highlight the advantages of a mix design utilizing fly ash and furnace slag as binders, which demonstrate reduced environmental impacts across multiple categories. However, the use of silicate in geo-polymer concrete poses ecological challenges due to its high energy demands during production. Additionally, replacing sand with sawdust significantly decreases CO2 emissions, showcasing the environmental benefits of integrating by-product materials into construction practices.
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References
Zhang, R.C.; Wang, L.; Xue, X.; Ma, G.W. Environmental profile of 3D concrete printing technology in desert areas via life cycle assessment. J. Clean. Prod. 2023, 396, 136412. [CrossRef]
Beltrami, M.; Orzes, G.; Sarkis, J.; Sartor, M. Industry 4.0 and sustainability: Towards conceptualization and theory. J. Clean. Prod. 2021, 312, 127733. [CrossRef] Ghaffar, S.H.; Corker, J.; Fan, M. Additive manufacturing technology and its implementation in
construction as an eco-innovative solution. Autom. Constr. 2018, 93, 1–11. [CrossRef]
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