An Analysis of the Viability of 3D-Printed Construction as an Alternative to Conventional Construction Methods in the Expeditionary Environment

Conventional construction is believed by some to have reached its technological limit of performance, making it increasingly difficult for conventional construction methods to meet the U.S. military’s core standards of quality, cost, and timeliness in the expeditionary environment. While still in its infancy, 3D-printed construction has the potential to revolutionize the way the military performs construction in deployed environments. This research conducts a systematic review of the viability of 3D-printed construction to investigate whether or not it is now or could be a viable replacement for conventional construction methods, specifically in remote environments where conventional construction capability may be limited. This research then evaluates seven key viability factors – materials, structural design, process efficiency, logistics, labor, environmental impact, and cost – as they apply to two recent, military-run 3D-printed construction case studies, before drawing conclusions regarding the current viability of 3D-printed construction. Finally, this research suggests areas in which further research and development is needed in order to ensure the effectiveness of 3D-printed construction in the expeditionary environment

A Systematic Review and Analysis of the Viability of 3D-printed Construction in Remote Environments

3D-printed construction is an additive, layer-by-layer construction method with the potential to reduce material consumption, optimize design, decrease construction time, lower labor requirements, minimize logistical demand, improve sustainability, and reduce costs as compared to conventional construction. This paper presents the results of a systematic review of 4491 publications spanning from 1998 through 2019. The review presents the viability of 3D-printed construction as a replacement for conventional construction methods, specifically in remote, isolated, or expeditionary environments, where conventional construction capability may be limited. The paper includes an analysis and characterization of the existing body of 3D-printed construction literature before evaluating seven viability factors of the method: materials, structural design, process efficiency, logistics, labor, environmental impact, and cost. In addition, the paper highlights three case studies of 3D-printed construction in remote, isolated, and expeditionary environments. The paper concludes by suggesting areas of future research to ensure the viability of this technology, such as printing full-scale structures and components with locally sourced materials in uncontrolled environments, defining standards for 3D printing, automating additional construction processes, and performing both environmental impact and cost life-cycle analyses. With continued investment in research and development, 3D printing could become a more viable and accepted method of construction, transforming the way the industry is managed in remote, isolated, and expeditionary environments