UC Irvine

This thesis presents a state-of-the-art review on the 3D printing technology and its

applications in construction. This technology is the computer aided design and manufacturing of

objects. It is a new way of manufacturing products by layer to layer adhesion. The material can

include thermoplastics, photopolymers, concrete and many other materials. The major benefit of

3D printing applications in construction is the ability to 3D print concrete without the use of

formwork. The use of concrete 3D printing allows for the construction of concrete structures that

are cost and time efficient. Construction of concrete 3D printing deviates from typical methods of

concrete construction and therefore requires structural analysis and novel engineering design to

maintain structural integrity. A review of concrete 3D printed structures that are currently being

printed and how 3D printing works are presented in this thesis to allow for informed design

decisions when 3D print structures. The overview of the 3D printing will also include the

feasibility of 3D printing structures on planet Mars. Due to the autonomous nature of 3D printed

construction, structure can be constructed on the desolate planet before astronauts arrive to Mars.

The use of 3D printing has a variety of applications and can increase the efficiency of structural

engineering design and construction.