Integrating Recycled and Alternative Materials in 3D Concrete Printing for Sustainable Development

Abstract

3DCP changes the face of construction. It also increases design flexibility, independence from labor, and environmental sustainability. This paper presents research based on some 3DPCs replacing conventional materials with green concrete materials, including aggregates from waste, plastic and rubber materials, recycled glass, geopolymers, and supplementary cementitious materials. These materials reduce carbon emissions and resource depletion, with properties such as tensile strength and durability similar to or better than those of ordinary concrete. Several barriers still need to be overcome, such as material variability, while mechanical anisotropy, scalability constraints, and high equipment costs are other significant factors. For 3DPC to play its full role in achieving the goals of sustainable construction, these barriers should be reduced to a minimum by mixing design optimization, standardization processes, and innovative production techniques.