Aspects of Waste-Material-Utilization and 3D Concrete Printer Development-Approach (2024-01)¶

3D concrete printing is an emerging additive manufacturing technology that is currently in its development phase. It offers various advantages over traditional construction practices and can potentially cater for the time-bounded and efficient execution of rapidly growing infrastructure activities in urban scenarios. The present work encompasses a scientometric-based review and a comprehensive discussion of research areas and gaps in the field of 3D concrete printing (3DCP). The data presented in the review have been discussed from the various scientific databases and thoroughly analyzed. The analysis reveals the field of 3DCP research is advancing rapidly due to its efficient, precise, and material-saving aspects. Extensive discussions on key parameters and their relationship which govern the 3DCP process are material and printer process parameters. Material parameters viz., pumpability, extrudability, buildability, strength, and printer parameters viz., nozzle shape/ size, printing and pumping speed, printer design, motion control, etc., are crucial in the 3DCP process. The suitability of recycled wastes from thermal and chemical plants, agro-forestry along with conventional construction material, have been thoroughly discussed in the present study. The study on existing printers also revealed that various types of 3D concrete printers have been developed and deployed case-to-case basis as per the construction site constraints, but few printers have been used commercially for large-scale concrete printing. This study also discusses the cost-effective and efficient 3D concrete printer development and the various mathematical models used for the development of concrete printer. The review discusses the opportunities, challenges, and future directions for 3DCP aspects in the near future.