Integration of additive manufacturing, lean and green construction: A conceptual framework

Abstract

The increasing demand for energy-saving and cleaner production has driven the need for additive manufacturing in the construction industry over the past decade. Additive manufacturing shortens the supply chain of materials and equipment by introducing the concept of just-in-time construction, which is a step towards lean construction. Although additive manufacturing holds significant potential for sustainable construction, several factors, such as the dynamic behavior of fresh concrete material, environmental conditions (temperature and humidity), surface quality, and filament cracking, pose challenges to its practical implementation in large-scale construction projects. This paper aims to develop a conceptual framework by integrating additive manufacturing and lean and green construction to facilitate construction enterprises. The framework shows that lean construction aids in identifying the wasteful activities found in the construction 3D printing and provides a strategic way to minimize such activities using various lean tools in order to ensure sustainable construction. Moreover, this integrated framework provides additive manufacturing experts with a strategic approach to addressing the challenges encountered in the construction 3D printing process by leveraging lean construction tools. The utilization of lean construction tools to address additive manufacturing challenges has the potential to enhance the sustainability of additive manufacturing.