Advantages and Challenges of 3D Geopolymer-Based Concrete in Construction (2025-11)¶

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have created significant challenges in the construction industry, including labor shortages, resource consumption, and safety concerns. Traditional concrete production, which relies heavily on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), is highly energy-intensive and a major contributor to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, exacerbating climate change. Recently, the integration of three-dimensional printing (3DP) with geopolymer-based concrete has emerged as a promising solution for sustainable construction. This innovative approach offers economic, environmental, and productivity benefits over conventional methods. Studies have shown that 3D Geopolymer-Based Concrete significantly reduces construction costs by lowering labor and material expenses, primarily due to the elimination of formwork. The cost of manufacturing prefabricated bathroom units using 3DP is notably lower compared to traditional precast methods. Additionally, 3DP technology minimizes material waste, reduces construction time, and decreases labor costs, resulting in an overall more efficient and cost-effective process. Environmental assessments indicate that 3DP concrete construction has a better environmental performance than conventional methods, with notable reductions in CO2 emissions and resource consumption. The use of geopolymer-based concrete further enhances these benefits by reducing the reliance on energy-intensive cement. Overall, the adoption of 3DP and geopolymer-based concrete in construction presents a viable path toward addressing the challenges posed by urbanization and industrialization, offering substantial improvements in cost efficiency, environmental impact, and productivity.