A framework for the acceptance of 3D printing technology in construction

A framework for the acceptance of 3D printing technology in construction

Although there is an increasing interest in construction 3D printing, skepticism persists due to the scarcity of supporting data. To address this concern, this paper presents a conceptual framework that aims to evaluate the viability of 3D printing (3DP) projects and facilitate the adoption of this technology. The study formulates hypotheses regarding the interrelationships among nine key factors. A questionnaire survey was conducted to gather expert opinions from the 3DP industry, followed by the application of Structural Equation Modeling and interviews for hypothesis testing and validation. In order to demonstrate the practicality of the suggested framework, a case study was undertaken on a full-scale residential building constructed using 3D printing in Germany. The results demonstrate that the finalized conceptual framework can assist in strategic decision-making to enhance the implementation of 3DP technology in specific projects and across the construction industry. Additionally, it provides a decision-making guideline for industry practitioners regarding the incorporation of 3DP technology in construction projects.