Environmental Impact of 3D Concrete Printing

UN Sustainable Development Goals

Author

Tim Robertson
August 29, 2024

The environmental impact of 3D-printed concrete (3DPC) is significantly lower compared to traditional concrete construction methods. The cement industry is one of the leading producers of greenhouse gases, responsible for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions.

By utilizing graphene-reinforced 3D printing, the environmental impacts of construction projects can be greatly reduced[11].

Environmental Impact of 3D Concrete Printing

3DCP has been developed rapidly over the past decade, showing immense potential to revolutionize the concrete industry in the coming years[12]. The technology helps to minimize waste, as traditional construction techniques that require formwork generate almost 80% of the world's total construction waste[13]. In contrast, 3D concrete printing eliminates the need for formwork, resulting in minimal resource wastage.

Recycled aggregates play a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability of 3DPC. They contribute to various sustainable development goals, such as SDGs 7, 12, and 13 set by the United Nations, due to their high environmental sustainability.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals established by the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Here are the components that apply to construction. These goals are interconnected and aim to address global challenges in a comprehensive and integrated manner.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Goal: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

Key Targets:

  • Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services by 2030.

  • Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

  • Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.

  • Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research, technology, and investment.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Goal: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Key Targets:

  • Implement the 10-Year Framework of Programs on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns.

  • Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources by 2030.

  • Encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

  • Ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Goal: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Key Targets:

  • Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

  • Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

  • Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.

  • Mobilize $100 billion annually by 2020 from all sources to address the needs of developing countries in the context of meaningful mitigation actions and transparency on implementation.

Recycled Materials

Studies have shown that recycled sand from old, crushed concrete can be successfully incorporated into 3DPC mixtures[9]. However, while the use of recycled materials can improve the rheology of the mix, excessive use may reduce early strength and flexural stiffness of the printed objects[8].

Low Carbon Materials

The incorporation of low-carbon cementitious materials, waste materials, and admixtures can significantly lower the life-cycle environmental impact of 3DPC systems. The optimization of printing machines using these materials can lead to better economic and environmental outcomes[14][8]. For instance, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash and silica fume not only serve as effective binders but also enhance the mechanical properties of 3DPC[1][15].

Reduction in Labour Cost, Wastage and Production Times

In addition to environmental benefits, 3DPC also offers indirect economic advantages by improving productivity and reducing labor costs and construction time.

Studies have indicated that 3DP technology can cut down construction waste by 30-60%, labor costs by 50-80%, and production time by 50-70%[10]. Consequently, the integration of sustainable materials and advanced 3DP technology in the construction sector is of paramount importance for achieving both economic and environmental benefits.

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