Performance-Oriented Assessment of 3D-Printed Architecture for Small-Scale Housing

Shandong Vocational and Technical University of International Studies, Rizhao City, 276826, Shandong, China

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Abstract

3D-printed architecture is becoming a viable alternative to conventional masonry and cast-in-place construction, especially for rapid, low-cost, and low-waste buildings. To clarify its actual performance, this study develops an integrated cost–time–waste evaluation model and applies it to a 50 m² single-story 3D-printed concrete house. A comparable conventional house is used as a baseline. The results show that the printed scheme shortens structural-shell construction from 18–20 days to about 2 days, reduces total project duration by about 80%, lowers direct construction cost by 22%, and cuts construction waste by about 78%. A structural capacity margin analysis further indicates that, when vertical voids are post-grouted and a reinforced ring beam is added, the printed walls can achieve the target compressive strength of 30 MPa with an observed mean of 32 MPa. The proposed Integrated Performance Index (IPI), combining time, cost, and waste with adjustable weights, provides a quantitative tool to compare printed and non-printed solutions. The study concludes that 3D-printed architecture is technically feasible and performance-efficient for single-story housing, but its benefits depend on process control, printer utilization, and reinforcement integration.