Towards Net-Zero Construction: The Feasibility of 3D Printing for Sustainable Development
摘要
The construction industry plays a crucial role in global greenhouse gas emissions and resource consumption, necessitating innovative and sustainable solutions to achieve net-zero targets. Among emerging technologies, three-dimensional (3D) printing has gained traction as a transformative approach to construction, offering enhanced flexibility and efficiency. Numerous companies and institutions have integrated 3D printing into construction, mainly via small-scale prototypes utilizing materials such as concrete, steel, metal, and composites, demonstrating its applicability. This technology shows potential for full-scale printing of structural systems, enabling resource-efficient, waste-reducing, and time-saving practices. This paper evaluates the feasibility of implementing 3D printing in large-scale construction projects, focusing on its environmental, economic, and technical implications, using a comprehensive review and comparative analysis of applications, material innovations, and scalability challenges. The findings indicate that large-scale 3D printing can significantly reduce material waste, construction time, and embodied carbon, while supporting achieving net-zero construction.