Speaker
Description
UN-Habitat estimates that nearly 3 billion people, 40 per cent of the global population, will require access to adequate housing by 2030. Disaster relief operations face persistent challenges, including resource limitations, logistical jams, and delays in providing adequate shelter delays in delivering adequate shelter to those in need. These challenges call for innovative approaches that can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response efforts. Among emerging technologies, additive manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing (3DP), has demonstrated significant potential for improving efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability in the construction process. Despite its potential, its application in humanitarian contexts remains underexplored, demanding further investigation into its feasibility and impact. The research critically examines the appropriateness and viability of integrating 3DP into shelter provision in humanitarian emergencies, with a particular focus on the Global South.
The study employs a structured methodology, combining a comprehensive literature review and comparative analysis grounded in key humanitarian standards. Core reference documents include the international reference guidelines, such as The Sphere Handbook (2019). The research framework evaluates the operability of 3DP across three phases of disaster response –Emergency, Transitional, and Permanent– outlined by Quarantelli (1995). The Sphere Handbook standards for “Shelter and Settlements” guide the technical analysis, focusing on indicators such as planning, settlement location, living space, technical assistance, and environmental sustainability. Procedural, technical, and socioeconomic criteria are examined to assess 3DP's alignment with these standards.
The findings identify five critical themes central to the adoption of 3DP in emergency contexts. Delivery and supply challenges highlight the need for modular systems and localized manufacturing to overcome logistical barriers in remote areas. Community engagement is limited by the automation of 3DP, necessitating educational initiatives to foster local acceptance and long-term maintenance. The use of local materials, such as raw earth, aligns with sustainability goals but raises concerns about thermal performance and material standardization in specific climates. Environmental sustainability benefits, including waste reduction and material reuse, require validation through comprehensive life cycle analyses. Lastly, while 3DP offers cost-saving potential, high initial investments and maintenance costs demand detailed cost-benefit evaluations. These findings provide a framework for assessing the viability of 3DP in humanitarian settings.
The research accomplishes that while 3DP holds transformative potential for addressing shelter needs, its immediate applicability is most suitable for transitional and permanent shelter phases rather than emergency relief. Future research must address critical challenges such as optimizing delivery timelines, standardizing material formulations, enhancing thermal performance, and conducting life cycle assessments. This study contributes to the growing discourse on innovative construction techniques in humanitarian contexts, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to unlock 3DP’s potential as a sustainable solution for shelter provision. By bridging technological innovation with humanitarian practice, this research lays the groundwork for future advancements in emergency shelter design and delivery.
References
- Assunção, J., Chadha, K., Vasey, L., Brumaud, C., Escamilla, E.Z., Gramazio, F. and Habert, G. (2024) Contribution of production processes in environmental impact of low carbon materials made by additive manufacturing. Automation in Construction, 165, p.105545.
- Curth, A., Pearl, N., Castro-Salazar, A., Mueller, C. and Sass, L. (2024) 3D printing earth: Local, circular material processing, fabrication methods, and Life Cycle Assessment. Construction and Building Materials, 421, p.135714.
- Ferretti, E., Moretti, M., Chiusoli, A., Naldoni, L., De Fabritiis, F. and Visonà, M. (2022) Mechanical properties of a 3D-printed wall segment made with an earthen mixture. Materials, 15 (2), p.438.
- Ford, S. and Despeisse, M. (2016) Additive manufacturing and sustainability: An exploratory study of the advantages and challenges. Journal of Cleaner Production, 137, pp.1573–1587.
- Hamard, E., Cazacliu, B., Razakamanantsoa, A. and Morel, J.C. (2016) Cob, a vernacular earth construction process in the context of modern sustainable building. Building and Environment, 106, pp.103–119.
- Sphere Association (2018) The Sphere Handbook: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response. Geneva, Switzerland.
- WASP (2021) Maker Economy starter kit. [Online] Available at: https://www.3dwasp.com/maker-economy-starter-kit/.
| Keywords | 3D printing, Humanitarian Aid, Earth materials, Shelter response, Emerging technologies. |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
