A Literature Review on Sustainability and 3D Printing within the Context of Smart Cities

Abstract. In recent years, three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has emerged as a significant innovation in the construction industry, aligning with sustainability goals. As one of the key components of Industry 4.0, this technology offers advantages such as design flexibility, material efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. 3D printing (3DP) technology stands out as an innovative production method that supports sustainability goals within the context of smart cities. In order to evaluate the role of 3DP in sustainable construction practices, this study examines 100 publications in the Web of Science database through bibliometric analysis. 29% of the analyzed publications were published in 2024, which stands out as the year with the highest production in the literature. The majority of the publications are concentrated in the fields of engineering and building technologies. In addition, 72% of the 40 articles analyzed are research articles, and 75% are laboratory-based studies. The types of materials used in the studies show a significant diversity. In addition to traditional concrete, innovative and environmentally friendly alternatives such as recycled aggregates, fly ash, geopolymers, biobased fibres, salt-sand mixtures, high-density polymers and self-healing materials are used. This diversity demonstrates the potential that 3DP offers in terms of reducing environmental impacts, limiting waste generation and utilizing local resources. The study identifies trends in the literature and future research areas to strengthen the use of this technology in sustainable construction.