Besklubova, S; Skibniewski, M J and Zhang, X (2021) Factors affecting 3D printing technology adaptation in construction. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 147(5): 2034, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing in construction technology has rapidly developed in recent years and is being implemented on a prototype basis for relatively small building and bridge construction projects. A number of 3D printing-based solutions are still at the laboratory experiment stage. Thus, understanding how to adapt 3D printing successfully is still one of the challenging issues facing the construction industry. Although the innovative literature provides clues about potentially relevant factors for construction 3D printing technology adaptation, research has still not specifically addressed this topic. This knowledge gap hampers further advancements in 3D printing for construction, launching new products, and the development of related services for the industry. Hence, as a response to the aforementioned shortcomings, this paper reveals nine potential factors and thirty-two of their measurements that determine the decision to adapt 3D printing technology for construction projects. To quantify the influence of the relevant factors and measurements, the structural equation modeling technique was employed. The results indicate that the top significant factors in ensuring the success of 3D printing technology in construction are "technology compatibility,""supply-side benefits,"and "complexity."Based on these findings, current and future 3D printing project managers may utilize the results of this study to guide their efforts in adapting this technology to produce high-value construction components and related products and to generate new business opportunities.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction three-dimensional printing; influential factors; quantitative methods; structural equation model; technology adaptation |
| Index terms: | project manager, adaptation, structural equation model, construction technology, construction industry, 3D printing, high-value, laboratory, experiment, structural equation modelling, prototype, quantitative method, construction project, influential factor, complexity, bridge construction |
| Subjects: | modelling and simulation, economic analysis, data analysis and analytics, digital engineering, manufacturing, user focus, data collection methods, risk assessment, profession, research management, statistical analysis, systems engineering, industry analysis, infrastructure engineering, production management |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Digital Applications, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions, Risk Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here