Abstract
Innovative building technologies 4.0: Fast-tracking housing delivery through 3D printing
Highlights
A house fulfils a fundamental need for human habitation
The complex South African housing industry has two markets: one market financed by the private sector and the other subsidised by the government
Despite several measures put in place by the government, the housing backlog in South Africa is still unacceptably high, at more than 2.3 million houses.[1]
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) construction printing is an innovative technology that will significantly alter the way housing will be delivered in South Africa. Do 3D printing technologies offer more cost-effective products than conventional ‘brick and mortar’ construction?. Conventional construction offers houses a minimum design life of 50 years. Do 3D printed houses lower operating costs (life cycle costs) over the life span of the houses compared to conventional construction? Do the NHBRC7 and its remedial contractors have the capacity and capability to remedy a 3D printed house to its original state without further compromising its structural integrity?. Is investing in 3D construction printing technology sustainable, and is there a willingness by construction companies to invest in long-term innovation?. Small- and medium-sized contractors are dominating the low-income house construction – is there adequate capacity and resources to invest in 3D construction printing?
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