Additive manufacturing : 3D printing of concrete with a low environmental impact

Abstract

This comprehensive research explored the development and evaluation of concrete mix designs tailored for 3D concrete printing (3DCP) applications. The study is grounded in a fundamental goal to reduce environmental impact by employing locally sourced materials and innovative approaches to construction. This was done by replacing the cement content with fine globigerina limestone powder. Replacement of the coralline limestone sand with recycled globigerina limestone sand was also assessed to confirm the viability of 3D concrete printing with such a mix design. A prototype Concrete 3D Printing Frame System, designed and constructed by the Construction Materials Research Group, University of Malta was used for the 3D printing of concrete elements in this study.