Unpacking the Dynamics of 3D Concrete Printing Adoption (2024-05)¶

In the evolving post-COVID-19 landscape, 3D printing technology is poised for significant growth, promising to advance Construction 4.0 while mitigating its environmental drawbacks. Despite this potential, a thorough understanding of how 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) technology is adopted within the construction sector is still lacking, especially regarding the role of individuals within organizations in facilitating this adoption. To address this knowledge gap, we propose a conceptual model that integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) with the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. We validate this model using survey data from 190 employees across various organizations in mainland China. Our results highlight the critical role of individual assessments—encompassed by performance expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and price value—in promoting the organizational adoption of 3DCP. Additionally, we found that technological and environmental factors moderate this relationship, whereas organizational factors exhibit only a negligible influence. This research not only sheds light on the dynamics of 3DCP's organizational adoption in the construction sector, but also extends the theoretical integration of UTAUT and TOE. Our empirical findings provide practical insights for organizational leaders and industry stakeholders to accelerate the integration of 3D printing and other emerging technologies in construction practices. Managerial Relevance Statement—Our findings reveal that individual assessments of 3DCP and the technological and environmental challenges faced by organizations significantly, yet distinctly, influence their adoption of this technology. Consequently, fostering the adoption of 3DCP necessitates collaborative efforts from not only the end-user organizations but also a variety of stakeholders within the industry. In order to enhance end-users’ perceptions of 3DCP, it is vital for suppliers to lower both the capital and maintenance costs associated with materials and fabrication equipment. Furthermore, suppliers should engage in product promotion and provide training to construction companies, emphasizing 3DCP's relative advantages and addressing any concerns regarding its complexity. For fostering a conducive external environment for 3DCP adoption, it is advisable for national and local governments to develop policies that support technology diffusion. This may encompass a variety of initiatives, ranging from establishing supportive 3DCP regulations and guidelines, to providing R&D funding, offering tax incentives to 3DCP adopters, and implementing government procurement policies that favor 3DCP systems. Additionally, industry associations are encouraged to amplify their initiatives, which could include 3DCP training programs, consultancy services, and the exhibition of best practice case studies.