Conceptual Study and Literature Review of Integration of Lean Manufacturing and 3D Printing in Construction to Support Sustainability

This chapter presents a literature reviewLiterature reviews and conceptual study of 3D printing3d-printing of concrete in leanLean and sustainabilitySustainability perspectives. Three research questions are addressed. (1) What are expected challenges in practical applications of 3D printing3d-printing of concrete; (2) To what extent can 3D printing3d-printing of concrete support leanLean construction principles; (3) What are possible sustainabilitySustainability implications from applications of 3D printing3d-printing of concrete in the construction sector? On the first question, we find that there are still a number of challenges that need to be addressed to move 3D printing3d-printing from test sites to integrated use in construction projects. The integration of a 3D printer in the building processBuilding processes is then investigated using scenarios; façade elements and self-insulating wall elements. On the second question, we find that leanLean techniques provide for coordination and good information flow. If the information flow and planning process is taken care of in this manner, 3D printing3d-printing can be successfully integrated into most larger construction processes and support sustainabilitySustainability in the construction sector. Regarding the third question, 3D printing3d-printing can contribute to achieving several UN Sustainable DevelopmentSustainable development Goals (SDGs), for example through the reduction of waste and more efficient use of natural resources, which is also related to the objective of leanLean construction. This means that leanLean appears to be a suitable approach for sustainable construction, and this paper discusses how 3D can be used as a technology to support the ambition of moving the construction industryConstruction industries in a more sustainable direction.