# Smart Infrastructure and Additive Manufacturing: Synergies, Advantages, and Limitations
## 1 Introduction
The construction sector has also benefited from advancements in 3D printing, with automated systems being capable of fabricating entire building structures using sustainable raw materials such as recycled concrete and bio-based polymers. This ability not only reduces construction time and labor costs but also promotes sustainability by minimizing material waste and energy consumption [35; 36; 37; 38]. Furthermore, the adoption of 3D printing in smart manufacturing aligns with the principles of Industry 4.0, where automation, digitalization, and real-time data integration foster efficiency and scalability [39; 40; 41]. As the technology evolves, the combination of 3D printing with artificial intelligence, robotics, and contemporary materials science will highly aid engineering and manufacturing processes. In this context, this paper aims to explore the integration of 3D printing within the greater domain of smart infrastructure, highlighting its potential benefits and the challenges associated with its potential implementation. As urban environments and critical infrastructure systems evolve to incorporate digital technologies, automation elements, and real-time data analytics, the contribution of advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing becomes highly significant [42]. The adoption of additive manufacturing in smart infrastructure presents numerous advantages, including enhanced design flexibility, cost reduction, minimized construction timelines, and improved sustainability through optimized raw material usage and waste minimization [43]. Moreover, 3D printing allows the fabrication of customized, lightweight, and structurally efficient components, contributing to the development of resilient and adaptive urban systems [43; 44]. The purpose of this manuscript is to critically review the integration of 3D printing technologies within the domain of smart infrastructure, with a focus on their synergies, advantages, and limitations. This review aims to explore how additive manufacturing can enhance the design flexibility, sustainability, and efficiency of urban environments while addressing the challenges that hinder its large-scale implementation. Key aspects covered include the potential of 3D printing in producing sensor-embedded components, modular building systems, and self-healing materials, all of which contribute to the development of resilient and adaptive urban infrastructure. What distinguishes this review from the existing literature is its comprehensive approach, which examines the intersection of 3D printing with other advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of urban planning and construction. Unlike previous  
Figure 1: Schematic representation of the main functional components of an FDM-fused deposition modeling 3D printer. works that may focus primarily on individual applications or technological aspects, this manuscript provides a holistic perspective on the role of additive manufacturing in the broader scope of smart city development, offering insights into both current capabilities and future challenges.