Benefits of 3D Printing as A Sustainable Building Technology for Post-Disaster Housing

Abstract

In previous years, many countries were exposed to many natural and artificial disasters. Iraq is considered one of the countries most affected in the recent period by wars and natural disasters. These disasters were accompanied by many losses in lives, equipment, and infrastructure. One of the most prominent losses resulting from disasters is the loss of many residents of their homes because they were destroyed and forced to flee or seek refuge in safer and more habitable areas. As a result, the demand for housing increases during disaster recovery, whether temporary or permanent, to meet the housing needs of IDPs or refugees. Therefore, the research examines the prospects of using 3D printing (3DP) as a sustainable building technology to meet the needs of temporary or permanent housing for those affected by disasters. The research aims to clarify the benefits of using this technology, compare it with traditional construction methods, and study the obstacles that prevent its use to form a reliable knowledge base to meet the housing needs of those affected by future disasters. The research found that 3D printing technology during disaster recovery has many advantages, such as providing housing at the required level and speed, reducing construction waste, increasing construction safety, achieving sustainability goals, and reducing construction errors and costs. It also includes some obstacles related to his condition, economic conditions, and availability. Workers with experience in dealing with these modern technologies in construction.

Keywords: 3D Printing, 3D Printed House, Sustainability, Post-Disaster Housing.

DOI: 10.7176/JETP/12-2-04

Publication date: May 30th 2022