Technological Aspects of using 3D Printing Software in Construction

SERHII BRAICHENKO1, OLEG KHARIT2, MYROSLAVA SHEVCHUK3,

KATERYNA HUSAR3, LIUBOV KYZYMYSHYN3

1 Department of Construction Industry,

Lviv Polytechnic National University,

S. Bandery str., 12, Lviv,

UKRAINE

2Israel Institute of Technology Technion,

City Haifa,

ISRAEL

3Department of Construction and Civil Engineering,

King Danylo University,

E. Konovaltsia, str., 35, Ivano-Frankivsk,

UKRAINE

Abstract: - The relevance of introducing additive technologies of 3D printing in construction is to decrease the

technological cycle of construction, and minimize expenditure and material costs, while reducing the duration

of the development planning process and execution, eliminating inaccuracies and defects, as well as optimizing

and automate the process. The technological aspect of 3D printing lies in the optimal selection of parameters

based on the created 3D model using effective software. The purpose of the study is to determine the quality

indicators of bricks obtained by 3D printing from special concrete. The approach to investigating this matter is

rooted in ascertaining the compressive strength of concrete through non-invasive testing techniques, gauging

the density of concrete using measurement methods, and validating the efficacy of integrating 3D printing

technologies in construction by the method of comparative analysis. The effectiveness of introducing additive

technologies of 3D printing was proven drawing upon quality indicators of concrete obtained on a 3D printer

which meets all the requirements necessary for its implementation in the construction field. The selected

characteristics of concrete compressive strength are fundamental to the basics of selecting a brand of concrete

to be utilized in construction. The selected software demonstrated the capacity to generate flawless 3D designs.

The result of the study shows a significant reduction in the number of workers involved in the construction

process by 38–45%, depending on the chosen method of using 3D printing; a decrease of construction time by

33–42% when printing individual elements, blocks used in production, and by 61–72% when using a printer

directly on the construction site; reduction of raw materials costs by 14–28%; as well as reduction of

construction downtime by 25%. The results obtained indicate the need to develop and enhance progressive

additive technologies for 3D printing in construction.

Key Words: - 3D printing in construction, additive technologies, software setting parameters, print accuracy,

slicer, concrete, concrete strength

Received: March 20, 2024. Revised: August 13, 2024. Accepted: September 14, 2024. Published: October 24, 2024.

1 Introduction

The utilization of cutting-edge technologies,

specialized software, and state-of-the-art equipment

significantly streamlines the process of design and

construction. Contemporary additive technologies

represent a pivotal advancement in the field of

construction. By establishing the prerequisites for

the design of complex, formerly unattainable

structures, be it in terms of their geometry,

execution, or even scale, additive technologies have

the potential to spark a revolution in the realm of

technological advancement. The introduction of

additive technologies for the creation of machine

parts and designs will reduce production time, and

the amount of equipment used, and enhance the

quality and accuracy of parts. Among other benefits,

the utilization of layer-by-layer construction will

result in a reduction of material usage.

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Consequently, not only will the cost of the

component decrease, but the overall production

expenses of the final product will also be

minimized. Another significant advantage of

introducing additive technologies is the artificial

production of complex parts for which serial

production is not of particular interest. The above

aspects are relevant for the most costly and strategic

industries. However, there exist several

predicaments that necessitate attention. Namely, the

legal underpinnings for 3D printing in construction

must be established and appropriate structural

materials selected to guarantee robustness,

durability, ease of manufacturing, safety, and cost-

effectiveness.

In this light, an important problem of

establishing 3D printing on a permanent basis is the

lack of available software and the necessary

databases that will satisfy the reliable use of the

software interface. The relevance of the study lies in

the need to systematize programs for creating 3D

models, establish their disadvantages and

advantages, choose an algorithm for their use for

certain purposes, create the ground for introducing

3D printing technologies in construction, enhancing

the efficiency of their use, as well as developing a

plan for their long-term development.

The purpose of the article is to determine the

quality indicators of bricks, namely hardness,

roughness of working surfaces, strength,

compressive strength, elasticity, deviation of

dimensional characteristics (sizes of the part, holes,

protrusions, etc.) from tolerances, etc., obtained by

the method of 3D printing from special concrete, as

one of the principal characteristics of using

materials in construction, analysis of world

manufacturers’ construction 3D printers in the

context of their utilization directly in construction.

To achieve this purpose, the following tasks were

addressed:

- conduct a comparative analysis of the pros and

cons of additive 3D printing technologies;

- analyze 3D printers from manufacturers of

world leaders;

- optimize the software settings to obtain the

required geometric dimensions, strength parameters,

and surface roughness of the printed 3D model;

- study the concrete compressive strength

features and determination of concrete density while

manufacturing bricks by 3D printing for use in

construction;

- determine 3D printing effectiveness to be

implemented in construction.

2 Literature Review

Additive manufacturing is a set of the latest

technologies that use 3D printing methods to create

structures, buildings, or structure’s individual

elements by printing solid layers by way of various

materials intrusion by layer-by-layer overlay, [1],

[2].

The inception and evolution of 3D printers in the

process of creating architectural objects are

attributed to numerous international corporations.

with their standing out as preeminent pioneer

leaders. The founder of three-dimensional printing

is professor who in 2012 introduced the world's

first printer. Numerous researchers and companies

have devoted their scientific inquiry to this topical

issue of improving 3D printing and implementing

thereof in construction. A Chinese company

WinSun gained leadership іn this process, then such

companies as the Italian architectural agency

WASP, the company from the Netherlands Houben

& Van Mierlo Architecten, from the USA

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and WATG'S Urban

Architecture Studio, and many others continued to

work, [3], [4].

The development of additive technologies for 3D

printing is carried out in the following research

areas:

 Development of new and introduction of

existing additive 3D printing technologies in

construction.

 Enhancement and elaboration of the

relevant software that will create the prerequisites

for implementing complex building models and

structures as well as individual elements.

 Adaptation of regulatory documentation for

the construction development areas.

 Improving the technical characteristics of

3D printers.

 Creation of universally reliable and

technically applicable mixtures of materials for 3D

printing.

 Improving the construction working

conditions, reducing the number of the operation,

decreasing the work time.

One of the key aspects of the finished structure

quality is the concrete mixture composition, which

is used to elaborate architectural projects and

building structures, [1], [4], [5].

The classification of advanced 3D printing

methods for construction draws upon numerous

factors. Selection It is based on the criteria as

follows, which form the classification ground, [6],

[7], [8], [9], [10]:

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1. According to the technology of creating

objects:

 Extrusion-based technologies. This method

involves the use of concretes based on cement, sand,

polymers, and foam. Such a method is the most

common one when it comes to 3D printing

architectural objects in construction.

 Inkjet printing method (Binder Jetting).

Within this method, a binding mixture is used that

consists of polymers, and chemical compounds and

is obtained by sintering.

 Electric arc growing using welding wire

(WAAM, wire arc additive manufacturing).

 Technologies employing the creation of

perpendicular formations by sliding, partial

concreting of metal mesh, mesh framing, etc.

 Printing of individual elements, modules,

and bricks (Modularity and Bricks).

2. According to the method of the 3D printer

operation:

 The method of polar rotation of the printer

around its axis when creating a layer-by-layer

structure.

 Printers equipped with a versatile

manipulator in various configurations.

 Delta printers.

3. According to the way different software is

used:

 Software systems for creating 3D models.

This software allows designing and manipulating

an object by providing the necessary instructions to

the printer so as to create the physical object.

Choosing the right software is critical to the success

of the entire 3D printing process.

 Software for managing the printer itself.

This software allows managing the devices of

any brand and better organizing the work processes.

Such software and applications are designed to

focus on print management and securely safeguard

digital data in transit, while mobile solutions ensure

the protection of sensitive printing operations.

All printers currently available are classified

based on their dimensions and placement. Thus,

there are printers working directly on the

construction site, creating a layer-by-layer structure

for the future construction (Figure 1(a)). The

dimensions of such printers vary significantly

depending on the scale of the construction site and

can reach the dimensions of a powerful truck crane.

The same printers that print small individual

elements of a building in the factory are much

smaller. That said, the elements in such printing are

delivered to the construction site after creation,

where they are assembled using conventional

construction methods (Figure 1(b)), [5], [10], [11].

a) a printer working directly on the construction site

b) a printer for work in the factory to create

individual items

Fig. 1: Types of Construction Printers

Neither of the above methods is perfect and has

both pros and cons. However, using factory-run

printers to create individual items avoids downtime

relative to the work seasonality. The work is going

on indoors, accumulating elements of the future

building, which will be assembled firsthand.

However, printers working directly on the

construction site have the advantages of reducing

the number of employees (only a printer operator is

needed, and several assisting workers to create the

mixture), and there are no assembly processes,

leading to a reduction in risks and inaccuracies,

[12], [13], [14].

Consequently, a thorough study of utilizing the

construction 3D printers in the world practice

showed significant advantages over traditional

construction methods, [15], [16].

Advantages of 3D printing in construction:

1. Significant reduction in the duration of

construction works.

2. Reducing the number of personnel involved in

construction.

3. Workplace automation.

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4. Reducing the cost of raw materials and

supplies.

5. Reduce construction site time, and improve

process quality and accuracy through programmatic

control. Accordingly, cost reduction and avoidance

of all possible risks.

6. Increasing safety and working conditions.

7. Raising awareness of environmental issues as

while using 3D printing in construction, the

formation of construction waste is significantly

reduced. Furthermore, traditional construction waste

is quite frequently used to create special building

mixtures for 3D printers. In other words, there is a

notable improvement in the environmental situation.

8. Reduction of time, materials, and costs for the

construction of buildings with unique and complex

architecture. Virtually any geometric shape became

available. The duration of such construction is

significantly reduced.

9. Exclusion from the workflow of delivering the

necessary parts, the need to maintain warehouses,

logistics and transport costs, etc.

10. Creation of diverse, complex, unique shapes,

and reliefs, which until now were difficult to

reproduce by traditional methods. The technology of

3D printing in construction can significantly reduce

the entire process of creating forms and bas-reliefs,

allowing cutting down on materials consumption.

Consequently, it becomes possible to reliably

reproduce the display of all geometric shapes and

parameters.

That said, with a fairly impressive list of

advantages, additive technologies also have a

number of disadvantages, [13], [16], [17], [18]:

1. The cost of equipment and materials is quite

high.

2. So far, it is not suitable for mass production

but is available only for isolated cases. Currently, it

remains unsuitable for widespread manufacturing

and is solely accessible for limited instances.

3. The choice of materials is not wide enough,

not all materials are reliable for use in construction.

The selection of construction materials is limited in

scope, and not all available options can be deemed

entirely dependable.

4. Lack of trained specialists.

5. Failure of 3D printers when they are actively

used.

6. To date, there are no uniform standards for the

created building elements and structures obtained

using 3D printers. Hence, achieving the requisite

design feature and ensuring quality control becomes

a challenging task All stages of preparing the 3D

parts and 3D structures are not clearly elaborated.

7. Absence of a unified repository for

implemented protocols.

8. Printers are slower than anticipated.

9. The need to equip the construction site

compliant with the printer operation requirements.

A smooth cover, rails parallelism, and the lack of

any materials or tools on site ensure accuracy,

printing reliability as well as obtaining structures of

the required quality.

An important factor is the appropriate choice of

software for 3-dimensional printers. Not only the

aesthetic appeal and precision of replicating the

model created depend on the exact reproduction of

the intended design, the perfect calculation of all

parameters, but primarily all the indicators of

reliability, strength, and durability.

There are numerous CAD applications available

for designing three-dimensional objects. It is crucial

to select the appropriate software and meticulously

configure all printer settings to achieve optimal

results, to correctly reproduce the model in reality,

[19], [20].

The utilization of 3D printing programs enables

full automationautomating the process of creating

structures, significantly reduce construction time,

decrease waste, improve the situation of labor

protection and the environment, reduce costs, and

replace a large number of bulky equipment with

high-tech ones. 3D printing devices are controlled

using special software, which is based on the G-

code.

The software is the link between the printer and

the overall system operation. The software gives

commands to the hardware of the computer system,

allowing it to clearly assign tasks to the printer by

translating program commands into a form that is

recognized by the hardware.

Before starting a 3D printer, the following steps

are to be addressed:

 Create a three-dimensional model in a special

program.

 Set the necessary 3D printing parameters for

the printer to get the desired result.

To create models, specialized design programs

are used, such as FreeCAD, Autodesk ArtCAM,

Paint 3D, ZBrush, KOMPAS-3D, and many others.

Conversion of the model into program code is

carried out with the help of slicer programs, which

translate the resulting highly discrete, polygonal 3D

model into G-code for a 3D printer. The most

common slicers are Cura, Kisslicer, Slic3r, and

many others, [21].

The stages of 3D printing are as follows:

1. Creating a digital model.

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This stage consists in creating a future three-

dimensional object in a 3D editor or CAD program

("3D Studio Max", "AutoCAD", "Compass",

"SolidWorks", etc.).

2. Export the 3D model to STL format.

3. G-Code Generation.

4. The STL file with the future object is

processed by a special slicer program, which

translates it into the control G-code.

5. Preparing the 3D printer for work.

6. Printing a 3D object.

7. Finishing of the object.

3 Materials and Methods

The operation of a 3D printer depends on its optimal

software setup. Most of the indicators are set by the

manufacturer. However, most of them can be

customized to meet the specific requirements.

The most important indicator is the height of the

printed layer. The thickness of the layer affects not

only the speed (printing time) but also the quality.

The number of layers adjusts the print speed on

which the printer’s runtime depends.

We also analyzed the work in the programs for

ease of configuration, the possibility of quick

learning, ease of control, ease of interface, and the

accuracy of reproducing the created model in

reality.

In construction, important indicators are the

quality characteristics of the materials used. They

must satisfy the requirements for their intended

utilization purpose.

Verification of quality indicators, both finished

structures and individual building elements, is

carried out by visual inspection, determining the

correspondence of geometric parameters and

calculating important quality indicators, such as

strength and density of concrete.

To determine the strength and density of

concrete, bricks of the required size (100x100x100,

70x70x70, and 50x50x50) were printed using a 3D

printer. To conduct a study on the strength and

density of concrete, six samples of each size were

produced. As the final result, the arithmetic mean of

all measurements was taken.

The compressive strength of concrete (MPa) was

established on previously obtained samples in

accordance with the normative document, [22].

The obtained samples of printed bricks were

subjected to destruction on a special laboratory

press. At that, the bricks were laid on the press plate

in such a way that the load was perpendicular to the

layers of laying the concrete mixture in the

structure.

The compressive strength of printed bricks was

determined by dividing the destructive load by the

cross-sectional area of the sample.

While performing the strength test, both the

nature of the destruction and the structure of the

concrete surface were observed.

Pressure strength is calculated by the formula:

Rm = (α · F · kw)/A,

where F is the destructive load, N (kg/s);

A is the working cross-sectional area of the

sample, cm2;

α is the cross-sectional width of the sample, mm;

Kw is the correction factor that takes into

account the moisture content of concrete, we

assume 1.

The density of concrete samples in kg/m3 was

established in accordance with the normative

document, [23], by weighing them and setting

measurements in accordance with the weight and

volume of the sample.

The roughness measurements of the brick surface

were carried out using a profiler. Several

measurements were simultaneously taken and the

average value was determined, reducing the

measurement error.

The characteristics of the obtained brick models

were compared.

4 Results

The print settings are carried out using special

software called a slicer. The choice of printing

technology and software affects the final result.

Specifications and output print speed alone cannot

provide the required ideal. It is crucial to consider

the complexity of setting up the software, the

possibility of easy training of operators, the time of

the process, the accuracy of the resulting structures

in accordance with the established norms and

models, the ease of changing materials, and so on.

Table 1 shows the main characteristics of the

different printing methods.

Table 2 displays the comparative characteristics

of the prevalent 3D printing software utilized in

construction.

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Table 1. Comparison of Printing Characteristics and Printing Methods

Control parameters

3D printing method

FDM

SLA

SLS

Complexity of the preflight setup process

***

Preparing for launch

***

Replacement of printing materials

Print time, min

700 – 1800

100 – 520

2450

Post-print processing operations:

– cleaning of the structure

Not required

– grinding of the structure

Table 2. Comparative Characteristics of Different Software

No.

3D printing

software

name

Function

Advantages

Disadvantages

Software for making or designing a 3D model

FreeCAD

software for creating and

editing 3D models

free of charge;

the ability to export models from

other design programs;

extensive database;

user-friendly interface

knowledge of the Python

programming language is

required

Autodesk

AutoCAD

creation of accurate 3D

models with the ability to

visualize the future design

has a built-in module for printing

the model;

allows working with 3D models,

raster, and vector graphics;

the ability to work on a

collaborative project;

visualization capability

a set of paid software

Autodesk

Fusion 360

parametric modeling,

assembly design, and 3D

printing compatibility

including modeling and

analysis tools

the ability to integrate various tools

and workflows into a single

platform;

cloud-based, making it easy to

collaborate and share data between

team members

challenging to get used to the

interface and functionalities.

requires a powerful computer

for optimal performance

Paint 3D

standard software included

in the Windows 10

operating system

allows creation simple 3D models

ease of use;

ability to learn quickly;

ease of operation;

availability

ZBrush

used predominantly for

artistic modeling of three-

dimensional objects

powerful base for creating 3D

models with accurate visualization

narrow profile, complexity of

work, and study

COMPASS-

a set of universal software

that allows you to work

with both 3D models and

objects, as well as with

ordinary drawings

quick design of CA, ease of

operation, ease of learning, user-

friendly interface

a fairly low degree of sampling

of the obtained models

Slicers

Cura

the simplest and most

intuitive slicer

calculates the printing time, and

the weight of the received part, has

a layer-by-layer print visualization

mode, and allows you to generate

non-standard support templates

Kisslicer

a cross-platform slicer

allows you to generate complex

and reliable supports

high material consumption for

the construction of supports

Slic3r

comes with the Repetier

Host software, has a

progressive three-

dimensional cellular filling

frequent updates and configuration

capabilities

challenging learning

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To check the print quality of the structure, such

characteristics as hardness, roughness of working

surfaces, strength, compressive strength, elasticity,

deviation of dimensional characteristics (dimensions

of the part, holes, protrusions, etc.) relative to

tolerances, compliance with the obtained angles, co-

flatness, coaxiality, aesthetics of appearance are

checked. To establish qualitative indicators, it is

necessary to evaluate several characteristics. The

most important are the characteristics of the

accuracy of the obtained dimensions and the

roughness of the part.

Surface roughness is a characteristic of

unevenness that determines the deviation degree

along the base length from theoretically smooth

surfaces of a given geometric shape. This parameter

has the strongest influence on operational

characteristics of the products as well as parts and

assemblies of various purposes. The surface

roughness plays a crucial role in determining the

longevity of the operational efficiency of the mating

components. At the same time, it should be noted

that the durability of the components is contingent

on this parameter. The degradation of components is

attributed to surface irregularities. The surface

roughness plays a pivotal role in connections that

meet the requirements of density and tightness.

Complex interaction at all stages of 3D printing

gives the desired result. In order for the printer to

work best and produce the desired result, you need

high-quality software and qualified configuration.

The entered parameters with the correct calibration

will give the desired result.

As studies show, perfect surfaces cannot be

obtained. Because the layer-by-layer application of

the material leaves some irregularities, especially at

the ends, leaving furrows and small protrusions.

Setting parameters in 3D printing programs is very

important, the accuracy of the setting depends on

the software and on the skills of the operator. Table

3 shows the print quality indicators depending on

changes in parameters.

The examination of the acquired data reveals

that a number of factors impact the quality of the

part: printing speed, the accuracy of moving the

nozzle of a 3D printer, the thickness of the printed

layer, as well as a combination of these parameters.

Printing speed affects the quality of layer

application, their hardening rate, and better adhesion

within the layer itself and between the previous and

next layer. Accordingly, an increase in the layer

thickness and overlap reduces the corresponding

subsidence of the material from which the part or

structure is printed.

However, an increase in speed and a decrease in

the thickness of the layer of the part receive greater

dimensional accuracy. Reducing print speed and

layer thickness at the same time reduces accuracy.

Increasing the layer thickness at low print speeds

will have a positive effect on the accuracy of the

resulting size.

Table 3. Software Configuration Results

Experiment No.

Customizable parameters

Results

Printin

speed,

mm/s

Layer

thickness,

Floor

thickness,

Accuracy of

3D printer

nozzle

movement

Brick

surface

roughness,

μm

Accuracy of the obtained

dimensions (±deviation of

dimensions from the

specified dimensions), mm

Brick

strength,

MPa

0,2

8,65

-0,29; -0,129; +0,25

27,64

0,3

9,28

+0,28; +0,34; -0,27

29,75

0,4

8,74

-0,32; -0,25; +0,24

35,02

0,2

7,32

-0,32; +0,22; -0,28

28,95

0,3

6,42

+0,29; +0,22; -0,28

31,21

0,4

5,89

+0,29; +0,32; -0,23

36,54

0,2

4,98

+0,24; +0,25; +0,29

27,59

0,3

5,65

-0,29; -0,19; +0,24

33,14

0,4

4,72

-0,31; +0,25; -0,28

34,25

0,2

4,61

+0,2; -0,18; +0,21

26,16

0,3

3,25

+0,26; +0,22; -0,19

29,65

0,4

2,85

+0,32; -0,29; -0,33

34,85

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Table 4. Results of the Studying Concrete Samples (author’s findings)

Sample

No.

Sample size,

Sample

weight, g

The cross-

sectional

width of the

sample, α, cm

Working cross-

sectional area of

sample A, cm2

Sample

volume V,

cm3

Density, ƿ,

g/cm3

Destructive

load F, kN

Compressive

strength Rm,

MPa

100х100х100

1958

10.05

100.1

1015.1

1.93

348.23

36.52

70х70х70

723

7.1

48.48

357.9

2.02

198.97

29.13

50х50х50

253

5.01

25.1

125.75

2.01

147.55

29.45

Table 5. Characteristics of the Materials’ Parameters Used for 3D Printers from Different Manufacturers

No.

The company that

developed the 3D

printer

Material that is needed for this 3D printer

Compressive

strength,

MPa

Material

density,

g/cm3

WinSun (China)

A mixture of cement and sand using

construction waste and adding additives

35.0

2200

Contour Crafting

Corporation (USA)

High-strength concrete with the addition of

kaolin

More than 30

2350

Bet Abram (Slovenia)

Shotcrete concrete with sand and gravel

aggregate

2300

Lounghborough

University (UK)

Cement-based fine-grained concrete

110.0

2250

Cy Be Construction

(Netherlands)

A mixture of cement and sand with the

addition of mineral additives

45.0

2250

Table 6. Advantages and Disadvantages of 3D Printers from Different Manufacturers

No.

The company that

developed the 3D

printer

Advantages of 3D printers in 3D

printing in construction

Disadvantages of 3D printers in 3D

printing in construction.

WinSun (China)

Use of construction waste, improvement

of the environmental situation,

economic value

The need for a perfectly equipped

construction site, large space, and

significant maintenance by personnel.

Contour Crafting

Corporation (USA)

It is possible to choose the

reinforcement method

Requires formwork. Imperfect surface

of the resulting structures, which

requires additional processing.

Bet Abram

(Slovenia)

The ability to use various chemical

additives, which allows thecreation of

materials with varied properties for

different purposes

Imperfect surface of the resulting

structures, which requires additional

processing. Uneven formwork.

Lounghborough

University (UK)

Creates high-strength structures. It is

possible to use various reinforcing

structures

Imperfect surface of the resulting

structures, which requires additional

processing. Creating an uneven vertical

surface.

Cy Be Construction

(Netherlands)

Creates high-strength structures. It is

possible to use various reinforcing

structures

Imperfect surface of the resulting

structures, which requires additional

processing. Creating an uneven vertical

surface.

For construction, not only the printing process

in itself is important, but also obtaining reliable,

durable, strong structures. Construction machinery

and equipment serve as the foundation of every

technological process involved in erecting buildings

and structures. In fact, a plethora of machines are

utilized throughout the construction process, but it is

the use of 3D printing that will allow discarding all

these machines and replacing them only with a 3D

construction printer.

The cornerstone of construction is rooted in the

materials employed for erecting edifices. These

components must satisfy all fundamental functions

inherent to the building.

The results of the study of compressive strength

and density of concrete samples produced by 3D

printing, depending on their dimensions, are shown

in Table 4.

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According to Table 4, the compressive strength

of concretes obtained from special mixtures for 3D

printers, regardless of the edge size, refers to the

normative data and also has a characteristic nature

of destruction under a given load. At the same time,

the samples’ strength gradually increases with the

sample’s edge reduction in size. The above trend is

typical for concrete.

The external structure of concrete has some

porosity and increased surface roughness. Bricks

made of such concrete require further processing,

leveling, and grinding, which must solely be

executed with the involvement of an individual. It is

imperative to select the right concrete composition

formulation that would meet all the construction

needs. Consequently, this raises the question of

further research in this direction, the introduction of

innovative processing methods, and the formulation

of new problems that need to be addressed. Still, all

this unequivocally testifies that this direction is very

relevant and promising.

The principle of 3D printer operation is to feed

the concrete-based material obtained in advance

with the addition of appropriate mineral, chemical,

and reinforcing additives to a special nozzle, namely

an extruder. The addition of auxiliary substances is

based on the need to provide the building material

with the requisite performance characteristics, іt

provides the basis for creating a future building

structure Table 5 shows an analysis of all materials

for the corresponding 3D printers used in modern

construction. Table 6 shows the advantages and

disadvantages of these construction industrial 3D

printers from different companies.

The introduction of 3D printing technology in

construction based on the experience of world

leaders yielded the results as follows (Figure 2):

Fig. 2: Effectiveness of 3D Printing Technologies in

Construction (author’s findings)

1. As can be seen from the figure, there is a

reduction in construction time by 33–42% when

printing individual elements, and blocks used in

production, and by 61–72% when using a printer

directly on the construction site.

2. The number of personnel required for

construction using 3D printing decreased. The

involvement of workers in construction is needed

only for machine maintenance, communications,

etc. The number of employees decreased by 38%.

3. Raw material costs have been reduced by 27%.

4. Construction downtime decreased by 25%.

The data obtained suggest that in the near future,

there will be a breakthrough in the use of additive

3D printing technologies in construction. Thus, it

can be seen that the efficiency of three-dimensional

printing is expedient and promising. Obviously, 3D

printing technology is aimed at achieving excellence

in constructing durable buildings, resulting in

material conservation. reduces the need for large-

sized lifting equipment, gives grounds for

preserving the environmental situation, makes it

possible to keep construction sites orderly, and has

limited space for construction.

5 Discussion

An examination of the outcomes concerning the

durability and compactness of concrete blocks

derived from 3D printing enables determining the

viability of employing concrete to build a particular

structure. Studying the durability and compactness

outcomes of 3D-printed concrete blocks enables the

assessment of the feasibility of utilizing concrete for

the construction of a specific structure. The

selection of material for printing depends on the

structure size, the loads during its operation, and the

obtained parts’ strength. The specifications for

components, their surfaces, and their quality

attributes are established based on the functional

purpose of the product.

Due to the absence of standards for 3D-printed

building materials, such studies are important and

relevant in view of the norms for traditional

technologies. On their basis, it will be necessary to

establish the brand and class of concrete, elaborate

regulations and standards.

The results obtained will allow in the near

future to move from theory to practice and introduce

such an effective construction method as 3D

printing technology and make the construction

process fast, efficient and modern.

Intelligent technologies are being actively

integrated into production processes worldwide. The

020 40 60 80 100 120

Constraction period

Number of personnel

Costs of raw materials and

tools

Downtime in construction

Traditional construction methods

3D printing in construction

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use of many digital methods has shown promising

results. Therefore, many strive not only to introduce

advanced 3D printing technologies instead of

traditional construction methods but also to provide

the necessary software modeling and specialist

training in this field.

To tackle numerous production issues, the

experience and practice of many companies working

in the same direction are involved, [7], [10], [23],

[24], [25], [26], [27]. Particular attention was paid to

the abovementioned issues by architects, design

engineers, designers, and representatives of well-

known leading companies. Furthermore, apart from

these well-known specialists in the field of using 3D

printers, scientists from all over the world took part

in the research process. Those renowned researchers

confirmed the effectiveness and relevance of the

innovative approach in laboratory conditions. It is

their research that provides the basis for further

development and implementation of additive

technologies in reality.

Thus, Shanghai WinSun is a renowned leader in

this market. Its experience and commitment to

improvement have created a number of devices that

allow not only to print individual elements, but also

to work directly on the construction site, creating

not only the base, frame, and structure, but also

complex majestic elements of classic façade

ornament at a relatively small cost of all types of

resources, [28]. This direction of the company will

make it possible to automate and adapt tasks in the

field of construction at the global level, [29], [30],

[31], [32], [33], [34].

Therefore, analysis of universal needs,

licensing, integration, and features of the association

will help determine the right solution to bring the

implemented additive construction to an effective

level of development.

6 Conclusion

The article discusses additive technologies for the

creation of complex previously inaccessible

structures, structures, and buildings, both in

geometry and in the execution method. Analysis of

the major aspects of three-dimensional printing in

construction makes it possible to build a plan to

improve the efficiency of introducing and

distributing additive technologies and predict

promising directions for the development of 3D

printing. The conducted study analyzed the

capabilities of available printers in the global

market, their advantages and disadvantages,

substantiating the prospects for actual

implementation. Nevertheless, the problem of

selecting either model remains a pressing issue.

Moreover, the cost of such equipment is too high.

A comprehensive analysis of the existing software

was carried out to create high-quality three-

dimensional models for further reproduction into

reality. A comparative characteristic of different

programs and slicers was provided. The results of

printing the model were shown depending on the

software settings.

The choice of the printing material is an equally

significant consideration. The characteristics of

concretes produced by various manufacturers differ

both in their composition and in their properties.

This shows the need for further research in this

direction. Analyses were carried out to determine

the bricks’ quality indicators obtained using 3D

printing from special concrete. Notably, studies on

the compressive strength of concretes obtained from

special mixtures for 3D printers, regardless of the

edges’ size, belong to the normative data and have a

characteristic nature of destruction under this type

of load. At the same time, the samples’ strength

gradually increases with the sample’s edge

reduction in size.

The impact of surface roughness on the

operational efficiency of components is thoroughly

analyzed. It was determined that for the production

of high-quality and reliable products, it is necessary

to conduct a mandatory control of the surface

roughness. The necessity to quantify the surface

roughness in order to adhere to the specified

parameters is crucial for ensuring the high quality

and consistent production of parts and products.

This process also aids in preventing the launch of

items that fail to meet the specified requirements.

Since the quality of the part is influenced by a

multitude of factors.: printing speed, the accuracy of

movement of the nozzle of the 3D printer, the

thickness of the printed layer, as well as a

combination of these parameters, it is imperative to

meticulously regulate them, as well as carry out

further examinations on the influence on the

ultimate quality of products.

The effectiveness of implementing 3D printing

in construction shows a reduction in construction

time by 33–42% when printing individual elements

and blocks used in production, and by 61–72%

when using a printer directly on the construction

site. Moreover, the number of workers involved in

production decreased by 38%; the raw material

costs were reduced by 27%; Production downtime

was reduced by 25% overall. That being said, the

efficiency of three-dimensional printing is expedient

and productive.

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3_17.

Contribution of Individual Authors to the

Creation of a Scientific Article (Ghostwriting

Policy)

The authors equally contributed to the present

research, at all stages from the formulation of the

problem to the final findings and solution.

Sources of Funding for Research Presented in a

Scientific Article or Scientific Article Itself

No funding was received for conducting this study.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

(Attribution 4.0 International, CC BY 4.0)

This article is published under the terms of the

Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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