Sustainable Construction Through 3D Printing: Advanced Low-Carbon Materials and Applications
The construction industry is focusing on developing agile and sustainable technologies, leveraging recycled materials while integrating advanced digital approaches. In this context, 3D printing of extruded concrete has emerged as a key solution, at the intersection of materials engineering, flexible production methods, and robotics. This innovative technology enables the production of topologically optimized and complex shapes at reduced costs, surpassing traditional methods such as molding or masonry.
However, 3D printing of extruded concrete requires a cement-based ink formulation strategy that meets the specific requirements of the process while minimizing its carbon footprint. This is achieved by using recycled aggregates and alternative low-cement binders. In parallel, innovations in robotics and artificial intelligence are enhancing 3D printing capabilities by automating processes and ensuring real-time quality control through adaptive filament deposition adjustments.
These technological advances are at the heart of the European 3DFORMWORKS project, funded by the Interreg FWVl program, which aims to develop innovative formwork using low-carbon, cement-based inks for applications in civil engineering and refractory materials. Key potential applications include complex formwork for mushroom-shaped columns or pillars, as well as impact plates for tundishes in the continuous casting process within the steel industry.
Sandra Abdelouhab (1), Camille Zoude (1) , David Bulteel (2), Louise Bétremieux (2), Sébastien Remond (3), Antoine Delamou (3), Khadija El Cheick (4), Julie Pierard (4), Rochdi Merzouki (5), Abdelkader Belarouci (5), Othman Lakhal (6), Ame Saleh (6)
(1) INISMa, Avenue du Gouverneur Cornez, n°4 – 7000 Mons, Belgium
(2) IMT Nord Europe, Institut Mines-Télécom, Centre for Materials and Processes, 59 000 Lille, France
(3) LaMé–EA7494, Univ. Orléans, Univ. Tours, INSA-CVL, 8 Rue Léonard De Vinci, 45072 Orléans, France
(4) Buildwise, Avenue P. Holoffe 21, 1342 Limelette, Belgium
(5) UMR CRIStAL, Université de Lille - Campus scientifique, Bâtiment ESPRIT, Avenue Henri Poincaré, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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