Steel fibers in 3D-printed concrete: a brief review of feasibility and research gaps

Justyna Stec; Seweryn Malazdrewicz; Hassan Abdolpour; Paweł Niewiadomski; Harald Kloft; Bartłomiej Sawicki

doi:10.17512/bozpe.2026.15.09

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Steel fibers in 3D-printed concrete: a brief review of feasibility and research gaps

Construction of Optimized Energy Potential

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By: Justyna Stec , Seweryn Malazdrewicz , Hassan Abdolpour , Paweł Niewiadomski , Harald Kloft and Bartłomiej Sawicki

Open Access

|Jul 2026

Abstract

Ultra high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) is an advanced cementitious material characterized by exceptional mechanical properties and durability, making it a promising candidate for application in 3D printing technologies. The integration of UHPFRC with additive manufacturing offers significant potential for the development of complex, efficient, and customized structural elements in modern construction. This study aims to provide a literature review on application of UHPFRC in 3D printing, with particular emphasis on the material jetting technique of Shotcrete 3D Printing (SC3DP). The review focuses on material properties, printability, and the influence of steel fibers on both fresh and hardened performance. The analysis indicates that UHPFRC demonstrates strong potential for Shotcrete 3D Printing, offering advantages such as improved adaptability and interlayer bonding compared to extrusion-based methods. However, the incorporation of steel fibers introduces challenges related to rheology and pumpability. From an environmental perspective, UHPFRC may enhance material efficiency and reduce resource consumption, although the lack of standardized mix design guidelines and limited comparative studies highlight the need for further research.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17512/bozpe.2026.15.09 | Journal eISSN: 2544-963X | Journal ISSN: 2299-8535

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Language: English

Published on: Jul 13, 2026

Published by: Technical University in Czestochowa

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 1 issue per year

Keywords:

concrete,

steel fibers,

shotcrete-based 3D printing,

extrusion-based 3D printing,

sustainable construction

Related subjects:

Architecture and design,

Architecture and design, other,

Engineering,

Civil engineering,

Materials,

Environmental engineering

© 2026 Justyna Stec, Seweryn Malazdrewicz, Hassan Abdolpour, Paweł Niewiadomski, Harald Kloft, Bartłomiej Sawicki, published by Technical University in Czestochowa
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License.

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