Environmental profile of 3D concrete printing technology in desert areas via life cycle assessment

Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) offers a particularly advantageous construction method in harsh environments, such as desert areas that experience shortages of building materials and labor. Evaluating the environmental impacts of 3DCP in remote areas is essential for substantification and thus practical application of this technology. Therefore, life cycle assessment against conventional construction was conducted in this study to determine the environmental profile of 3DCP in desert areas considering different reinforcement methods and aggregates. The comparison results indicate that 3DCP is more sustainable owing to its lower potential for freshwater ecotoxicity, particular matter formation, human toxicity, ozone depletion, and eutrophication. The environmental friendliness of using in-situ desert sand for 3DCP depends on the material delivery distance. Electricity consumption also influences the environmental impact of 3DCP. Although 3DCP is promising as an environmentally friendly construction method for use in remote areas, technological updates and energy supply adjustment and justification remain essential.