Comparative eco-efficiency assessment of different 3D concrete printing methods

The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry faces significant environmental and economic challenges. Advanced technologies, including automation and 3D construction methods, offer potential solutions by improving efficiency, reducing labor costs, and minimizing material waste. However, integrated frameworks that simultaneously evaluate environmental and economic performance remain limited. This study developed an eco-efficiency assessment framework that uses life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost to compare three construction methods: conventional construction (CM), contour crafting (CC), and concrete printing (CP). The framework was applied to a two-story residential villa in Dubai using a cradle-to-grave approach across multiple environmental impact categories. The results indicated that CC was the most eco-efficient method. Compared to CM, CP offered a 33% economic advantage but resulted in a 9% increase in environmental impact. The operational phase dominated environmental performance, contributing approximately 82%-89% of total impacts, while embodied impacts accounted for the remaining 11%-18%, with material production being the primary contributor, except for the abiotic depletion potential for non-fossil resources, which accounted for only 4%. Sensitivity analysis showed that freshwater eutrophication was the most responsive category, with a reduction of 35–45% under optimized conditions. The proposed framework offers a practical decision-support tool for evaluating construction alternatives based on integrated sustainability metrics. While demonstrated on a single case study, it is adaptable to other regions by adjusting local parameters such as climate data and cost indices.