Additive Manufacturing in Off-Site Construction: Review and Future Directions

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the pillars of Industry 4.0 to attain a circular economy. The process involves a layer-by-layer deposition of material from a computer-aided-design (CAD) model to form complex shapes. Fast prototyping and waste minimization are the main benefits of employing such a technique. AM technology is presently revolutionizing various industries such as electronics, biomedical, defense, and aerospace. Such technology can be complemented with standardized frameworks to attract industrial acceptance, such as in the construction industry. Off-site construction has the potential to improve construction efficiency by adopting AM. In this paper, the types of additive manufacturing processes were reviewed, with emphasis on applications in off-site construction. This information was complemented with a discussion on the types and mechanical properties of materials that can be produced using AM techniques, particularly metallic components. Strategies to assess cost and material considerations such as Production line Breakdown Structure (PBS) and Value Stream Mapping are highlighted. In addition, a comprehensive approach that evaluates the entire life cycle of the component was suggested when comparing AM techniques and conventional manufacturing options.

The Thermal and Mechanical Behaviour of Wood-PLA Composites Processed by Additive Manufacturing for Building Insulation

“…Although the incorporation of biobased materials adds more complexity to the interpretation of mass and transfer properties, promising insulating properties can be achieved if a precise control of the microstructure is achieved. This local control can be driven by new material-processing technologies, such as the additive manufacturing route [ 7 , 8 ], where the sourcing of the material combined with an appropriate material architecture can lead to a substantial reduction in the energy consumption in the building sector, through more innovative material designs [ 9 ]. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the additive manufacturing processes that is extensively used to produce polymeric parts [ 10 ].…”

Volumetric Modular Construction Risks: A Comprehensive Review and Digital-Technology-Coupled Circular Mitigation Strategies

“…Additionally, block chain technology (BCT) based on secured information storage for material passports in data banks and digital platforms provides ground for tracking the digital twin of a BIM model with geometric and non-geometric data, thus closing the data wastage loop [114]. Another strategy in the DP stage is the use of bio-based materials that can be used to develop module' prototypes using additive manufacturing (AM), thus reducing safety issues and accuracy concerns, and helping optimize modules during the early stages [119]. In factory production, digital fabrication and robotics are energy-saving methods for building module components, thus increasing the use of recycled and reusable materials, reducing worker injuries, and providing safer environments [114].…”

“…In factory production, digital fabrication and robotics are energy-saving methods for building module components, thus increasing the use of recycled and reusable materials, reducing worker injuries, and providing safer environments [114]. Furthermore, AM/3D printing can be utilized to develop modules from recycled concrete and other bio-based materials to minimize the waste of resources from human labor [119]. Further, AM/3D printing facilitates the consumption of resins and substrates in the modules developed from reused and renewable materials [120].…”

Maximizing project efficiency through construction prefabrication unveiling the benefits

“…With modular constructions, on-site locations are maintained clean and secure, through which sustainable construction procedures are performed [28] . By using highquality materials in the construction procedure, s on-site installations are executed within the allocated time scale.…”