Nazar Research Center for Art, Architecture and Urbanism (NRC) The Monthly Scientific Journal of Bagh-e Nazar 1735-9635 23 158 2026 07 23 A Systematic Review of Life Cycle Assessment in 3D Printing Concrete: An Analytical Investigation of Methods, Processes, and Assessment Tools in Architecture and Construction A Systematic Review of Life Cycle Assessment in 3D Printing Concrete: An Analytical Investigation of Methods, Processes, and Assessment Tools in Architecture and Construction 41 50 244772 10.22034/bagh.2026.577258.5998 FA Amirbahador Baradaran Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, College of Fine Art , University of Tehran, Iran 0000-0002-5068-0687 Katayoun Taghizade Department of Architecture, School of Architecture, College of Fine Art , University of Tehran, Iran 0000-0003-4613-6977 Journal Article 2026 02 23 Problem statement: The environmental and economic challenges of the construction industry have made the necessity of utilizing new technologies more evident than ever. In the meantime, 3D printing concrete, as an emerging approach, has a significant capacity to reduce waste, save time, and improve productivity. Numerous pioneering studies have addressed these issues with methodologies and case studies, but there is still a lack of an analytical framework among them. Research objective: To investigate and achieve a framework that clearly defines the effective method, process, and tool in the field of life cycle assessment knowledge in the discussion of 3D printing. Research method: The present study, using the method of logical-analytical reasoning and a systematic review of research literature and library research, has examined life cycle assessment frameworks and identified key factors in this field. Conclusion: The results show that concrete materials, especially cement, have the largest share in carbon dioxide emissions and account for about 52% of the total environmental impacts. In contrast, the replacement of recycled materials, especially in the aggregates sector, depending on the consumption ratio, can reduce these impacts by 24 to 47%. From an economic perspective, this technology also has the potential to save up to about 78%. Despite these advantages, the variability in the performance unit, system limitations, and the limitations of industrial-scale data prevent direct comparison of results. Accordingly, standardization of life cycle assessment methodology and development of real-scale experimental studies are prerequisites for the sustainable use of 3D printing of concrete in future architecture and urban development. Problem statement: The environmental and economic challenges of the construction industry have made the necessity of utilizing new technologies more evident than ever. In the meantime, 3D printing concrete, as an emerging approach, has a significant capacity to reduce waste, save time, and improve productivity. Numerous pioneering studies have addressed these issues with methodologies and case studies, but there is still a lack of an analytical framework among them. Research objective: To investigate and achieve a framework that clearly defines the effective method, process, and tool in the field of life cycle assessment knowledge in the discussion of 3D printing. Research method: The present study, using the method of logical-analytical reasoning and a systematic review of research literature and library research, has examined life cycle assessment frameworks and identified key factors in this field. Conclusion: The results show that concrete materials, especially cement, have the largest share in carbon dioxide emissions and account for about 52% of the total environmental impacts. In contrast, the replacement of recycled materials, especially in the aggregates sector, depending on the consumption ratio, can reduce these impacts by 24 to 47%. From an economic perspective, this technology also has the potential to save up to about 78%. Despite these advantages, the variability in the performance unit, system limitations, and the limitations of industrial-scale data prevent direct comparison of results. Accordingly, standardization of life cycle assessment methodology and development of real-scale experimental studies are prerequisites for the sustainable use of 3D printing of concrete in future architecture and urban development.

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