The Adoption of 3D Printing as a Construction Methodology in South Africa: What Are the Barriers?

Abstract

Abstract3D Printing is the production of 3-dimensional objects using an additive process. It has revolutionized industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, medicine and now commonly construction. This technology has been successfully implemented in the construction industries of countries such as China, United Arab Emirates and Russia. It has improved productivity on site, produced sustainable buildings and lowered costs of production. However, there is limited use of the 3D construction methodology in South Africa. Therefore, this research examines whether there are barriers to implementing 3D printing technology within the South African construction industry. The research employs a qualitative research approach that involves interviews of 12 construction industry professionals in South Africa. The data obtained from interviews and secondary data sources were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that critical barriers to the implementation of 3D printing within the construction industry were Regulations, the dominant labour-intensive production process and the traditional methods of procurement used in construction project delivery in South Africa. Based on these findings, the study concluded that 3D printing technology would make the project production process more efficient and effective from a cost, performance, and quality perspective; however, the South African construction industry is currently not conducive to the implementation of an innovative solution in construction such as 3D printing. Further research should be conducted on how 3D printing could be implemented in the current state of the construction industry.Keywords3D PrintingConservativeConstruction methodologyLabour-intensive production processProcurementRegulations