Exploring 3D Printing Potentials for Sustainable, Resilient, and Affordable Housing

Abstract

The construction industry showed remarkable resiliency during the global pandemic, and it is a worldwide engine for economic growth. However, many construction companies are predominantly building with traditional techniques and have not adapted to utilize available technological advancements. Therefore, industry is behind the curve to address global issues such as combating climate change and providing more affordable housing. Thus, it is necessary to continue the exploration of options to utilize available technologies that offer innovative solutions to today’s global challenges and pivot toward a more sustainable and inclusive future. Nowadays, 3D printing is one of the fastest-growing technologies in construction. This building method could provide answers to the above-mentioned issues and open new and exciting opportunities for the construction industry. This paper will examine how 3D printing can contribute to solving the needs for more sustainable, resilient, and affordable housing. The technology of 3D printing is explained, focusing on the use of 3D printing of structures for housing construction. Once the technology behind 3D printed houses is conveyed, the sustainability and cost benefit analysis of this construction method are explored and compared with traditional construction techniques. The sustainability aspect is explored through analyzing and comparing other similar sized traditionally built homes. Similarly, the affordability of this construction method is compared with current techniques to determine the benefits of this type of construction. Upon the conclusion of the work, a clear pathway is provided on how to utilize 3D printing in constructing more sustainable, resilient, and affordable housing for the future.