A STUDY OF THE IMPACTS OF CONSTRUCTION 3D PRINTING USING CHANGE-IMPACT ANALYSIS

Abstract

The applications of 3D Printing (3DP) has been garnering interests in many industries as well as with researchers. However, there is a lack of research focusing on the impacts that the application of construction 3DP (C3DP) will likely generate. This paper aims to bridge the gap of understanding between the knowledge on the subject of 3DP with its potential impacts upon adoption specifically in the construction industry. The approach adopted in this study is through change-impact analysis. The three methods undertaken are trace analysis, dependency analysis and experiential analysis. This approach consists mainly of extensive literature studies, along with interviews and focus group meetings conducted with industry professionals. An extensive list of C3DP impacts is prioritised in significance order and projected. A comprehensive framework of feature-change-impact was developed, to further explain and substantiate the C3DP impacts. It provides links between 3DP features with the changes resulted in construction processes, and links between the changes with C3DP impacts. The extensive literature used in the study lacked on the specific subject of C3DP impacts. Validation of the literature study relied on the responses of a relatively small group of industry professionals that may not be fully representative of the entire construction industry. This study provides an outlook into the transformation brought about by C3DP and link up the knowledge between 3DP and C3DP impacts. This study can advise on the implications of C3DP on an industrial scale. This is the first paper of its kind that focuses on prioritising and projecting an extensive list of C3DP impacts through a comprehensive and critical approach of change-impact analysis. This research study covers 3DP technology’s applications and impacts across various manufacturing industries, however focusing on the evaluation and projection of only C3DP impacts.