Potential Construction Applications of Sustainable 3D Printed Elements Made from Plastic Waste

Essam Zaneldin, Waled Ahmed, Noura Alharbi, Rahma Alkaabi, Mariam Alnuaimi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Construction projects are often challenged by tight budgets and limited resources. Contractors are looking for ways to become competitive by using methods and materials that are sustainable and cost-effective. Using sustainable 3D printing to produce cost-effective construction elements is becoming a feasible option to make contractors more competitive locally and globally. Along this line, contractors are attempting to improve production skills to satisfy certain specifications and standards while keeping costs within competitive ranges. The aim of this research is to investigate the production process capability of 3D printers using fused deposition modelling (FDM) to produce 3D-printed sustainable parts made from plastic waste for the use in the construction of buildings with different infill structures and internal designs. The production capabilities and requirements of FDM printers were first examined and possible applications in construction are then presented. The outcome of this study indicates that 3D-printers can be used to produce parts made from plastic waste using FDM printers. These parts are sustainable and less expensive as compared to some traditional non-load bearing construction elements such as lightweight concrete hollow blocks and lightweight concrete bricks since they are less expensive and have higher compressive strength. However, it is not feasible to use 3D printed material from plastic waste as an alternative for gypsum board drywalls since it is more expensive; however, it might be considered as an alternative since it provides a higher compressive strength.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMaterials Science Forum
PublisherTrans Tech Publications Ltd
Pages277-283
Number of pages7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Publication series

NameMaterials Science Forum
Volume1082
ISSN (Print)0255-5476
ISSN (Electronic)1662-9752

Keywords

  • 3D Printing
  • Construction Applications
  • FDM
  • Plastic Waste
  • Sustainable Construction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Materials Science(all)
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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