Abstract
3D printing (3DP) is regarded as an innovation that contributes to automation in civil engineering and offers benefits in design, greenness, and efficiency. It is necessary to objectively analyze the current status and challenges associated with 3DP and identify future research directions to properly understand its construction applications. Previous research has focused more on the technical dimension of 3DP; however, the nontechnical dimension of the technology may hinder its implementation and thus must be paid particular attention to. This study presents a systematic review of the existing literature from both technical and nontechnical dimensions by combining quantitative and qualitative studies. The quantitative study was conducted using scientometric methods. The qualitative study analyzed information, including the technical research status and nontechnical challenges and trends. Two aspects of technical research status are presented, including materials and processes. In addition, nontechnical challenges and trends from the economic, environmental, social, and legislative aspects are proposed. This study provides a comprehensive agenda to advance 3DP in construction and proposes research interests, challenges, and future topics. It is intended to help construction practitioners systematically master existing processes and materials and assess the application degree and necessity of 3DP.
Highlights
Over the past few decades, many studies on 3D printing (3DP) innovations have been conducted to address the technical dimension
Advances in Civil Engineering known as the father of 3DP, developed the first commercial 3D printing machine [9]. e experimental application of 3DP in the construction industry began in the late 1990s when Pegna proposed using cement-based materials in conjunction with 3DP [10]. e existing research on 3DP focuses on advanced materials, processes, and implementation methods, which allow it to be used in the construction industry
Scientometric Analysis and Visualization. is study conducted scientometric analysis and visualization using the literature sample in an appointed scientific knowledge domain according to the science mapping approach [37] via CiteSpace software. e science mapping approach is a process that describes the scientific domains in structured terms for conceptual, intellectual, and social dimensions and constructs visual maps. is study focused on journal sources and author analyses to identify the most influential journals utilizing 3DP in construction
Summary
Concerning the review method, qualitative and quantitative studies (e.g., scientometric analysis [31] and text mining [32]) are adopted separately. Several of the reviews used some specific functions of measurement, there is an overall lack of follow-up on the in-depth qualitative analysis. To solve these problems, this study adopts a combination of quantitative and qualitative studies, which guarantees the objectivity of the study and provides a more comprehensive and in-depth review of 3DP.
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