Cost analysis of 3D concrete printing technology

Globally, the construction sector accounts for 40% of global energy consumption and 38% of carbon emissions. Therefore, there is a huge demand for decarbonization in the construction industry. Manufacturing with 3D printing technology has emerged as a potential solution to reduce energy demands and carbon emissions. 3D printing technology in construction is generating great interest by increasing the speed and accuracy of building structures, reducing labor costs, construction waste and risks to human health. Recently 3D printed concrete has emerged as an innovative material for the production of low-cost buildings worldwide. The 3D printed concrete technique enables the production of buildings with significant savings of up to 70% in both cost and construction time compared to traditional construction systems. 3D printed concrete construction is a layered construction technology that has the potential to reduce material consumption, optimize design, shorten construction time, reduce labor requirements, minimize logistical demand, improve sustainability and reduce costs compared to conventional construction. The cost calculation in 3D concrete printing technology is different from the cost calculation in conventional construction technology. Construction with 3D concrete printing technology has been defined as both industrial and building product. In recent years, significant progress has been made in developing large-scale 3D printers and construction materials to meet the demand for industrial-scale 3D printing construction. It is important that buildings and structural components are constructed using 3D concrete printing. In this thesis, the cost analysis of 3D concrete printing technology is comprehensively discussed. By comparing the costs of 3D concrete printing technology with the costs of traditional construction methods, a new approach to the cost analysis of 3D concrete printing technology is presented.