Pavement maintenance: Traditional methods, intelligent solutions, and 3D printing applications

Asphalt pavements often suffer early-stage distresses, while traditional maintenance methods exhibit low efficiency, quality control challenges, and safety risks. This paper reviews traditional maintenance techniques for crack and pothole repair, as well as the development, technical features, and applications of intelligent repair equipment. It further elaborates the principles and potential of 3D printing technology for pavement rehabilitation, including direct and indirect repair approaches. Optimization strategies for 3D printing equipment and modified asphalt materials are also summarized. The analysis highlights 3D printing as a promising solution for targeted, efficient, and automated pavement repair. However, most 3D printed asphalt materials remain at the laboratory stage, with limited field application. Therefore, this paper provides recommendations and outlook on material selection and technological implementation for future 3D printed asphalt materials, thereby providing a reference for promoting the intelligent and automated development of robotics and 3D printing in infrastructure construction and maintenance.