Sustainability Evaluation of 3D Concrete Printing in the U.A.E. Construction Projects

Abstract

3D printing has revolutionized various industries and is gaining prominence in construction for its potential to enhance sustainability. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has embraced 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) in residential and commercial sectors to align with their sustainability goals. However, due to the diverse array of 3DCP technologies and the materials employed in the field, a critical gap exists in the aspect of conducting a comprehensive evaluation of their sustainability. Therefore, the study aims to address the gap by examining the economic, environmental, and social aspects of 3DCP technologies that can be adopted in the UAE industry. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative approaches, in which interviews, sustainability rating systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and literature reviews are conducted to obtain 3D Concrete Printing parameters and identify the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). A quantitative approach includes a survey that uses pairwise comparison and the Delphi approach, along with the Analytic Hierarchy Process method (AHP), for the purpose of assessing and weighing the KPIs and ultimately determining the most sustainable 3DCP technology. The study's outcome aims to guide the UAE government and construction practitioners to identify the most suitable 3DCP technology. As a result, the environmental pillar of 3DCP technologies turned out to be the top priority to be considered when selecting the technology for the UAE’s construction projects, with the highest weight of 0.53 among the other pillars. Consequently, BOD 2 (COBOD) has been identified as the most sustainable printer in comparison with the other technologies due to its distinctive features that are suitable for the UAE market and contribute to its overall performance in the environmental, economic, and social sustainability realms. The study helps foster better sustainable practices in the construction industry, contributing to the UAE's sustainability objectives.