Improving a 3D Concrete Printing Factory Using Stochastic Modelling for Decision-Support (2024-09)¶

This study explores the transformative potential of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) in enhancing efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry. 3DCP is recognized for significantly reducing production costs, increasing productivity, and lowering embodied carbon, marking a substantial step towards sustainable construction practices [1,2]. Despite its advantages, the research on the interplay between these benefits is still emerging. The research introduces a novel stochastic decision-support framework that goes beyond conventional unit cost analysis by incorporating stochastic Monte Carlo simulations and Simulation Decomposition (SimDec) [3]. This framework provides a 3DCP firm with a sophisticated strategy for decision-making amidst technological uncertainties [4]. It is enriched by global sensitivity analysis to assess strategic decisions' economic and environmental impacts on their 3DCP operations. The study quantifies uncertainties in unit costs and embodied carbon, underlining the critical role of strategic hardware and software upgrades and material selection in minimizing carbon footprints. The goal is to simultaneously guide technological and material choices to optimize project affordability and environmental sustainability [5]. The study integrates various development opportunities into the stochastic model, uncovering the intricate relationship between technological decisions and material selection for better economic and environmental efficiency. A significant contribution of this research is the development of an intuitive graphical user interface for the 3DCP firm. This interface facilitates direct interaction with the stochastic model to improve practical application and accessibility for construction and infrastructure projects. The research tackles the challenges of evaluating costefficiency and environmental sustainability in 3DCP, aiming to advance the sector's economic and ecological objectives. This investigation contributes to the scholarly discussion on sustainable construction. It provides industry professionals with an interactive tool to effectively implement 3DCP technologies, considering the limitations of resources like production facilities, human labor, and investment capital.