Prospective LCA for 3D-Printed Foamed Geopolymer Composites Using Construction Waste as Additives

Karina Balina (), Rihards Gailitis, Maris Sinka, Pauls Pavils Argalis, Liga Radina and Andina Sprince
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Karina Balina: Institute of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, Kipsalas iela 6A, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Rihards Gailitis: Institute of High-Performance Materials and Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, Kipsalas iela 6A, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Maris Sinka: Institute of Sustainable Building Materials and Engineering Systems, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Pauls Pavils Argalis: Institute of Sustainable Building Materials and Engineering Systems, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Liga Radina: Institute of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, Kipsalas iela 6A, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia
Andina Sprince: Institute of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Riga Technical University, Kipsalas iela 6A, LV-1048 Riga, Latvia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-21

Abstract: Additive manufacturing has recently become popular and more cost-effective for building construction. This study presents a prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of 3D-printed foamed geopolymer composites (3D-FOAM materials) incorporating construction and demolition waste. The materials were developed using fly ash, slag, sand, and a foaming agent, with recycled clay brick waste (CBW) and autoclaved aerated concrete waste (AACW) added as alternative raw materials. The material formulations were evaluated for their compressive strength and thermal conductivity to define two functional units that reflect structural and thermal performance. A prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted under laboratory-scale conditions using the ReCiPe 2016 method. Results show that adding CBW and AACW reduces environmental impacts across several categories, including global warming potential and ecotoxicity, without compromising material performance. Compared to conventional wall systems, the 3D-FOAM materials offer a viable low-impact alternative when assessed on a functional basis. These findings highlight the potential of integrating recycled materials into additive manufacturing to support circular economy goals in the construction sector.

Keywords: 3D -printed geopolymer composites; life cycle assessment; building waste incorporation into geopolymer composites (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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