Abstract
Purpose:
The purpose of this paper is to study the introduction of 3D-printing of concrete in the construction sector.
Design/Methodology/Approach:
A survey was conducted to collect professional view on ongoing innovations in the construction sector, including 3D-printing. Participants were selected among the members of Norwegian networks for project and construction management research.
Findings:
The survey highlighted effective leadership, collaboration with partners, and industry-academia collaboration as primary enablers of innovation. Few of the respondents to the survey have used 3D-printing technologies.
Research limitations/implications:
It is difficult to obtain representative samples in this type of research, including this study. The study can be seen as a snapshot of attitudes in the sector.
Practical implications:
3D-printing appear as a potentially interesting technology, especially for unstandardized construction components. Further work is needed to materialize the expectation for technological development in the construction sector.
Originality/value:
Most research on 3D-printing has focused on demonstrating technical potential. This study adds a practitioners’ perspective, with a large dose of pragmatism.
The purpose of this paper is to study the introduction of 3D-printing of concrete in the construction sector.
Design/Methodology/Approach:
A survey was conducted to collect professional view on ongoing innovations in the construction sector, including 3D-printing. Participants were selected among the members of Norwegian networks for project and construction management research.
Findings:
The survey highlighted effective leadership, collaboration with partners, and industry-academia collaboration as primary enablers of innovation. Few of the respondents to the survey have used 3D-printing technologies.
Research limitations/implications:
It is difficult to obtain representative samples in this type of research, including this study. The study can be seen as a snapshot of attitudes in the sector.
Practical implications:
3D-printing appear as a potentially interesting technology, especially for unstandardized construction components. Further work is needed to materialize the expectation for technological development in the construction sector.
Originality/value:
Most research on 3D-printing has focused on demonstrating technical potential. This study adds a practitioners’ perspective, with a large dose of pragmatism.