3D Printing Applied to Construction: A New Frontier for Efficiency, Sustainability, and Industrialization

Abstract

In recent years, 3D printing applied to the construction industry has emerged as a disruptive technology with significant potential to transform traditional building processes. The objective of this study is to systematically analyze recent scientific literature on 3D printing in construction, assessing its contributions in terms of productive efficiency, environmental sustainability, and in dustrialization of the sector. To this end, a systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA methodology, considering scientific articles indexed in Scopus (Q1, Q2, and Q3) and published over the last five years. The analysis included thematic synthesis, study categorization, and a bibliometric approach to identify research trends, leading countries, and existing research gaps. The results indicate that 3D printing enables material optimization, reduced construction time, and lower environmental impact, particularly when integrated with life cycle assessment methodologies and sustainable construction materials. Furthermore, a significant advancement in the technological maturity of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) is identified, although important limitations persist, mainly related to the lack of technical standards and process standardization. It is concluded that 3D printing represents a viable and strategic alternative for the development of a more efficient, sustainable, and industrialized construction sector, highlighting the need for future research focused on regulation, structural validation, and implementation in local contexts.