Developing sustainable 3D printable concrete materials using olivine sand for carbon sequestration

3D concrete printing (3DCP) is an emerging and innovative technology that creates concrete structures layer by layer from a digital model. This method has significant potential to enhance productivity and safety in construction. 3D printing facilitates the use of innovative design principles while promoting the smart and efficient utilization of materials and resources. It allows for customization and the creation of intricate geometries without incurring additional costs. Consequently, adopting 3D printing technology in construction can yield substantial economic and environmental benefits. This study explores the use of olivine sand as a replacement for natural river sand in the production of 3D printable material. Olivine is believed to absorb CO2 directly from the atmosphere, which could enhance concrete properties and protect environment from carbon emission. Natural sand was replaced with olivine sand in varying percentages of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, and their effects on 3D printed structures were investigated. The 3D printed samples underwent tests for mechanical strength, rheology, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicated that replacing natural sand with olivine did not adversely affect strength; rather, it produced positive outcomes at certain replacement levels, with the primary goal of capturing CO2 from the atmosphere.