3D-Printed Technology in Buildings

A special issue of Buildings (ISSN 2075-5309). This special issue belongs to the section "Building Materials, and Repair & Renovation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 284

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
MATEIS, CNRS, INSA-Lyon, University of Lyon, UMR 5510, F-69100 Villeurbanne, France
Interests: masonry; rammed earth; concrete; discrete element method; thin-walled structures

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Guest Editor
Holcim Innovation Center, 38090 Saint Quentin Fallavier, France
Interests: digital fabrication—3D printing; carbon efficient construction; fiber reinforced concrete solutions; numerical modelling and design

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

3D printing is gaining increasing importance and has become an emerging digital construction technology. Traditionally conservative, the building sector is demonstrating innovation with this technology which is experiencing rapid expansion, encompassing a wide range of non-structural elements to structural load-bearing elements, and many growing projects around the world demonstrate the great potential of the technology in terms of lowering construction costs, reduction in construction waste, possibility of customized design, lightweight elements, and reduction of carbon emissions. There are still challenges to overcome to facilitate the wider expansion of the technology, such as: non-familiarity with this technology (adapted printable material, printing process, environmental conditions, how to incorporate reinforcement, building integration), the potential risks (shrinkage cracking, quality consistency) and the fact that there is a lack of regulatory framework for convenient approval and therefore design recommendations are welcome. As people recognize the reliability of real case studies, the potential of this technology to shape a more sustainable future is considerable. The Topic Editors encourage the scientific community to share their learnings that will help the building sector promote 3D printing technology. Topics include, but are not limited to, printable material development; mechanical properties; building applications; reinforcement strategy; design recommendations; sustainability; Finite Element Modeling.

Dr. Tan Trung Bui
Dr. Wendpanga Serge Auguste NANA
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • buildings
  • reinforcement
  • printable material
  • structural design
  • carbon footprint
  • sustainable construction
  • Finite Element Modeling

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

22 pages, 2412 KB  
Article
Investigation of Waste Steel Fiber Usage Rate and Length Change on Some Fresh State Properties of 3D Printable Concrete Mixtures
by Fatih Eren Akgümüş, Hatice Gizem Şahin and Ali Mardani
Buildings 2025, 15(20), 3731; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings15203731 - 16 Oct 2025
Viewed by 124
Abstract
In this study, the effects of waste steel fiber and high volume blast furnace slag (BFS) substitution on rheological properties, thixotropic behavior and carbon emission were investigated in order to increase the sustainability of three-dimensional (3D) printable concrete (3DPC). Cement was replaced with [...] Read more.
In this study, the effects of waste steel fiber and high volume blast furnace slag (BFS) substitution on rheological properties, thixotropic behavior and carbon emission were investigated in order to increase the sustainability of three-dimensional (3D) printable concrete (3DPC). Cement was replaced with BFS at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% by volume, while waste steel fibers were added to the mixtures at three different lengths (5, 10, 15 mm) and volumetric ratios (0.5% and 1.0%). A total of 39 mixtures were optimized with respect to extrudability, buildability and shape stability criteria, and their rheological and thixotropic properties were characterized by a modified rheometer procedure. Results showed that 50% BFS substitution reduced dynamic yield stress and viscosity by 69% and 52%, respectively, and eliminated the need for a water-reducing admixture. 75% BFS substitution improved structural build-up (Athix) but required 6% silica fume. The fiber effect interacted with length and BFS content, with short fibers increasing rheological resistance, while the effect of long fibers decreased in mixtures with high BFS. The carbon emission assessment revealed that 75% BFS substitution provided an outstanding CO2 reduction of up to 71% compared to the control mix. These findings prove that high-volume BFS and waste fibers are an effective strategy to optimize rheological performance and environmental impact for sustainable 3D concrete printing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D-Printed Technology in Buildings)
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