FEATURE – Laser Materials Processing
Future for 3D Concrete Printing: Sustainability & Standards Source: Jonathan Tran, Stephan Mansour As the world's industries scramble to find solutions to the growing problems posed by climate change, the construction industry has made significant strides thanks to the development of 3D concrete printing. This cutting-edge innovation not only helps mitigate our impact on the planet, but it also makes it possible to build reasonably priced homes out of recycled materials.
Reducing Carbon Emissions with 3D-Printed Concrete: The release of glasshouse gases during the traditional concrete production process significantly increases carbon emissions. Traditional concrete production process is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Furthermore, construction also creates an estimated third of the world's overall waste at least 40% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. However, a greener option is available with 3D concrete printing. This technology helps cut down on waste and energy consumption up to 50% compared to conventional building practises by precisely layering concrete in a controlled manner. The carbon footprint of 3D-printed structures can be reduced over their lifetimes with the help of modern additives and binders that increase their durability and energy efficiency. As a result, 3D concrete printing is crucial to fighting climate change because it drastically cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions from the building sector.
recycled materials like construction and demolition debris, recycled concrete aggregates, and even plastic waste by blending them with binders and additives. A recent study at RMIT University demonstrated the efficient use of recycled materials in 3D concrete printing, providing a practical answer to waste management issues and opening the door to a more environmentally friendly building sector. An urgent problem in many parts of Australia, especially in urban areas, is the high cost of housing. 3D concrete printing offers a promising solution. In this case, 3D concrete printing offers a possible answer. This technology drastically cuts down on time and money spent on building by allowing for the rapid construction of complex shapes and designs. Recycled materials are often more cost-effective than conventional building materials, adding to affordability. In addition to providing versatility and adaptability, 3D-printed homes can be tailored to meet individual housing needs. The advent of 3D concrete printing has revolutionised the construction industry, opening the door to more cost-effective housing options across Australia. Incorporating 3D concrete printing into the construction industry offers
The construction and demolition debris contribute to a significant portion of the waste generated worldwide, with estimates ranging from 25% to 40% of the total waste generated. The exciting feature of 3D concrete printing is its ability to incorporate recycled materials, thereby decreasing reliance on virgin resources and redirecting waste away from landfills, thereby contributing to sustainable construction. Engineers and scientists are always looking for new ways to ensure the structural integrity of buildings made from 62 | JUNE 2023
a game-changing chance to address climate change, waste management issues, and Australia's housing affordability crisis, among other things. This technology demonstrates its potential to make a positive and lasting impact on sustainability by lowering carbon emissions through optimised construction methods, employing recycled materials, and redirecting waste from landfills. Researchers, engineers, and policymakers in Australia are making great strides towards perfecting 3D concrete printing techniques, which bodes well for the country's construction industry in the future. The research conducted at RMIT University has made significant strides in expanding the capabilities of 3D concrete printing. RMIT’s scientists have successfully developed a new eco-friendly 3D-printable concrete made from recycled glass. They obtained fine particles that can replace traditional sand in the concrete mixture by crushing and processing waste glass. This novel approach not only keeps glass waste out of landfills, but it also reduces the environmental impact of sand extraction. The recycled glass-based concrete has better mechanical properties and can be used for a variety of purposes, including construction. This advancement advances the use of recycled materials in construction processes and contributes to the advancement of sustainable 3D concrete printing. Using recycled plastics in 3D concrete Figure 1: 3D concrete printing group at RMIT: 3D printing artificial coral reef and Boomerang beam
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