Comparative analysis of stationary and mobile 3D concrete printing in construction

Abstract 3D printing is a transformative additive manufacturing technology that builds objects layer by layer from digital models. In construction, large-scale 3D printing can accelerate project delivery, reduce costs, and enable mass customization. This paper presents a comparative analysis of 3D concrete printing (3DP) systems applied in real-world construction projects, focusing on both stationary and mobile platforms. Stationary systems, including gantry printers, fixed robotic arms, and cable-driven printers, are evaluated for their precision and reliability, along with their limitations in flexibility and deployment. Mobile systems comprising crawler-based, linear track-based, boom truck-mounted, wheeled, holonomic, swarm, and aerial extrusion platforms are examined for their enhanced on-site adaptability and automation potential. Twenty mobile systems were analyzed based on key parameters, including setup time, reachability, degrees of freedom, print speed, accuracy, nozzle configuration, and material compatibility. The findings highlight mobile 3DP as a promising direction for improving construction efficiency, scalability, and automated building processes.