About this Research Topic
In the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, characterized by automated processes and advanced digital technologies, the construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation through the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. This shift, often termed construction 3D printing, presents substantial benefits including reductions in greenhouse emissions, waste, and improvements in resource efficiency and productivity. Moreover, it enables the construction of complex structures that would otherwise require costly formworks. Nevertheless, the challenge lies in developing "printable" materials that not only meet the mechanical and durability standards but also align with the additive manufacturing processes. Traditional construction materials like high-performance concretes, which rely on natural aggregates, cement, and virgin fibers, carry a considerable environmental footprint. In response, the shift towards the eco-design of printable concrete seeks to enhance the environmental friendliness of these technologies.
This Research Topic aims to curate a selection of original papers that explore current trends and future directions in developing construction materials specifically engineered for 3D printing applications. Emphasizing eco-sustainable practices in the digital manufacturing of concrete, this special issue intends to broaden the knowledge and innovative approaches to using low-impact binders, such as geopolymers and sulphoaluminate cement, along with waste aggregates and by-product fillers. Papers should address various aspects of these new materials including rheological properties, printability, and physical, mechanical, and durability performance to evaluate their applicability in civil and building engineering. Ultimately, the goal is to foster developments that allow for a seamless integration of these eco-friendlier formulations into practical engineering applications, exploring a diverse array of additive fabrication methods.
To gather further insights within this burgeoning field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Latest developments in designing 3D-printable cementitious and ceramic-based mixtures.
- Eco-friendly alternative binders to ordinary cement for digital fabrication.
- Utilization of waste and recycled materials as aggregates and reinforcing agents in low-carbon concrete.
- Evaluation of rheological, printing, and hardened properties of eco-concrete formulations.
- Computational models of printing processes and materials behavior.
- Comparative analyses using Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the environmental, technological, and economic impacts of various materials and processes.
This Research Topic aims to curate a selection of original papers that explore current trends and future directions in developing construction materials specifically engineered for 3D printing applications. Emphasizing eco-sustainable practices in the digital manufacturing of concrete, this special issue intends to broaden the knowledge and innovative approaches to using low-impact binders, such as geopolymers and sulphoaluminate cement, along with waste aggregates and by-product fillers. Papers should address various aspects of these new materials including rheological properties, printability, and physical, mechanical, and durability performance to evaluate their applicability in civil and building engineering. Ultimately, the goal is to foster developments that allow for a seamless integration of these eco-friendlier formulations into practical engineering applications, exploring a diverse array of additive fabrication methods.
To gather further insights within this burgeoning field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Latest developments in designing 3D-printable cementitious and ceramic-based mixtures.
- Eco-friendly alternative binders to ordinary cement for digital fabrication.
- Utilization of waste and recycled materials as aggregates and reinforcing agents in low-carbon concrete.
- Evaluation of rheological, printing, and hardened properties of eco-concrete formulations.
- Computational models of printing processes and materials behavior.
- Comparative analyses using Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate the environmental, technological, and economic impacts of various materials and processes.
Keywords: Construction 3D printing; Sustainable cement and ceramic-based materials; Low-carbon concrete; Waste and recycled aggregates; Natural and Recycled fibers; Rheology and fresh properties; Hardened properties; Environmental performance.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
