SMART 3D-PRINTED CONCRETE: RECENT ADVANCES IN SELF-SENSING MIX DESIGN AND FUNCTIONAL REINFORCEMENTS

3D-printed concrete (3DPC) is revolutionizing the construction industry by enabling fast, sustainable, and highly customizable building solutions. In addition to speed and design flexibility, 3DPC can be engineered into a smart, self-sensing material capable of real-time structural health monitoring, making it a key component of future smart construction. This review aims to critically assess recent literature on strategies to impart self-sensing functionality to 3DPC through nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and MXenes, as well as functional reinforcements including carbon and hybrid fibers. It also highlights how tailored material additions enhance 3DPC’s sensing capabilities, while strongly influencing rheology, printability, and workability–performance trade-offs. Finally, the review highlights current limitations, including scalability, durability, and cost barriers, and considers future opportunities involving artificial intelligence, digital twins, and multifunctional materials. Since integrating self-sensing reinforcements into 3DPC can bring significant environmental, economic, and technical benefits, further research and development in this emerging field is highly encouraged.