A Review of Additive Manufacturing Techniques in Artificial Reef Construction: Materials, Processes, and Ecological Impact
Source abstract
Abstract
In recent years, additive manufacturing technologies have been employed for ecological projects, especially those connected with artificial reefs. This approach brings a lot of advantages, including the design of more complex structures, with surfaces fitted to the needs of water organisms. This technology can effectively support ecological design and engineering, especially in restoration efforts. The main aim of this article is to demonstrate the state of the art and further perspectives for the development of artificial coral reefs. This article is based on a critical analysis of the literature, supported by selected case studies. This article describes current technologies used in the creation of artificial reefs, putting emphasis on additive manufacturing, evaluates currently used materials, and summarizes the influence of this technology on ecosystems through the analysis of selected case studies. It also discusses the challenges and limitations of current technologies used in 3D printing artificial reefs as well as presents current trends and further directions. The most important findings show that the analyzed field is a promising interdisciplinary research area and practical implementations require collaboration between specialists from different branches.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Environmental Engineering and Cultural Studies · Microplastics and Plastic Pollution · Marine Biology and Environmental Chemistry
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Faculty of Material Engineering and Physics, Cracow University of Technology, al. Jana Pawła II 37, 31-864 Krakow, Poland
Faculty of Geoengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Michała Oczapowskiego 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
Department of Civil Engineering, National Ilan University, No. 1, Sec. 1, Shennong Rd., Yilan City 260, Taiwan
Funding
Polish National Center for Research and Development
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