Industrial Adoption of 3D Concrete Printing in the Australian Market (2019-02)¶

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an innovative technological advancement which is quickly overtaking many forms of manufacturing and now seeping into the industry of construction. The basis of this technology allows for digitally designed 3D objects to be autonomously printed via robotic control, removing the need for the majority of human involvement and is, thus, capable of changing the entire construction process as currently known into a cleaner and more sustainable production. Since the construction industry is of high importance for the Australian employment segment and its overall economic position, it is essential that this industry be carefully assessed prior to any major changes. Therefore, since 3D printing is in its initial stages in the construction industry, its potential impact on future stability, national employment, and economic solidity is unknown and, thus, this chapter reviews various literature studies in an attempt to identify all impacts and associated consequences which 3D printing may have on this industry. As a result, a review will be undertaken via the Fishbone Diagram management technique to determine six major influences and all the possible causes and affects this advanced technology could potentially have on the Australian construction industry. Each subsection will be given a yes or no/positive or negative rating allowing for a statistical representation of results to be developed and ultimately will be the basis of the viability evaluation of such an industry changing process.