Advancing Sustainable Structures Through 3D Printed Concrete (2026-03)¶

Three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) has emerged as a transformative technology, offering unprecedented geometric freedom, reduced material waste, and enhanced construction efficiency. However, the widespread adoption of 3DPC as a load-bearing structure faces difficulties in integrating conventional reinforcement systems and the lack of design philosophy for various structural forms. To this end, this review examines recent progress in developing reinforcement strategies for 3DPC and explores the design philosophy of four structural forms: Fibre-reinforced 3DPC, Reinforced 3DPC lightweight systems, 3DPC permanent formwork-reinforced concrete, as well as prestressed segmental 3DPC structures. This review outlines the systematic design workflow and highlights the key considerations for each structural typology. Furthermore, it compares the relative advantages and limitations of these systems, underscoring the potential of 3DPC to revolutionize sustainable construction by integrating advanced reinforcement strategies with intelligent design, thereby fostering a more resilient and environmentally responsible built environment. The findings summarized are expected to provide a deep understanding into the design of 3DPC structures and to identify future research priorities to facilitate their widespread engineering application.