Building Sustainability: Unraveling the Promise of 3D Printing ; Är 3d utskrivna byggnader framtidens hållbara lösning?

The technology of 3D printing has established itself in various industries and has now begun to be utilized in the construction sector to some extent. The construction industry has always been characterized by its traditional methods, but this new technology can bring several advantages that should not be overlooked. Using a 3D printer in a construction project can lead to shorter construction times, a safer and healthier working environment, and significantly less material waste compared to traditional methods. By comparing the environmental impact, material usage, and economics of these methods, it becomes possible to gain the necessary knowledge for achieving sustainable construction. To achieve the goal of this study, a literature review is conducted to examine previous works and the various conclusions and observations made by others. Furthermore, interviews are utilized to gain insights into the construction industry, providing the opportunity to benefit from practical experiences and expertise from key individuals. The thesis focuses on three specific aspects of the life cycle: environmental impact, economic sustainability, and material usage. These factors were chosen for investigation due to the construction industry's continuous efforts to improve these areas in every project. In summary the study results indicate that the environmental impact of 3D construction is much lower than traditional construction. Various factors contribute to this, but the most important is the precision level of the technology, where accurate placement of materials leads to less material waste and disposal. This correlates with the method's material usage, as environmentally friendly materials such as geopolymers are used to ensure a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional materials. Additionally, the reduced need for labor and transportation contributes to the economic sustainability of 3D buildings compared to traditional construction. ; 3D utskriftstekniken har etablerat sig inom flera industrier och har nu till en ...