An investigation into the application of 3-D printing to construction projects in Ningbo, China

Byung Gyoo Kang, Yazhong Zhang, Ruoyu Jin, Craig Matthew Hancock, Bo Li, Llewellyn Tang

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    3-D printing brings huge potentials to construction projects such as time, cost, quality and safety. Objectives of construction projects can be enhanced and achieved with superior performances. This research has investigated the perceptions of construction engineers towards the benefits and obstacles of 3 –D printing in construction projects. The questionnaire survey was conducted in Ningbo, China. The survey participants include building engineers, architects, civil engineers, project managers, MEP engineers and consulting engineers. A total of 100 replies were received. The respondents show very positive perceptions towards the benefits of 3-D printing. ‘Reduced material wastage’, ‘reduced equipment usage’ and ‘improved safety in construction site’ are the top three benefits. The obstacles are related to technical competence, materials and size/cost of 3-D printer. Outcomes of the survey are discussed in detail with future researches, especially the integration between 3-D printing and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)93-95
    Number of pages3
    JournalInternational Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering
    Volume7
    Issue number4S2
    Publication statusPublished - 31 Dec 2018

    Keywords

    • 3-D printing
    • Benefits
    • Construction
    • Obstacles

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