Critical success factors for implementing 3D printing technology in construction projects: academics and construction practitioners’ perspectives

Abstract

Purpose: The application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in construction projects is of increasing interest to researchers and construction practitioners. Although the application of 3D printing technology at various stages of the project lifecycle has been explored, few studies have identified the relative importance of critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing 3D printing technology in construction projects. To address this research gap, this study aims to explore the academics (i.e. researchers) and construction practitioners’ perspectives on CSFs for implementing 3D printing technology in construction projects. Design/methodology/approach: To do this, a questionnaire was administered to participants (i.e. academics and construction practitioners) with knowledge and expertise in 3D printing technology in construction projects. The collected data were analysed using mean score ranking, normalization and rank agreement analysis to identify CSFs and determine the consistency of the ranking of CSFs between academics and construction practitioners. In addition, exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the relationships and underlying constructs of the measured CSFs. Findings: Through a rank agreement analysis of the collected data, 11 CSFs for implementing 3D printing technology were retrieved (i.e. 17% agreement), indicating a diverse agreement in the ranking of the CSFs between academics and construction practitioners. In addition, the results show three key components of CSFs including “production demand enabling CSFs”, “optimize the construction process enabling CSFs” and “optimized design enabling CSFs”. Originality/value: This study highlights the feasibility of implementing the identified CSFs for 3D printing technology in construction projects, which not only serves as a reference for other researchers but also increases construction practitioners’ awareness of the practical benefits of implementing 3D printing technology in construction projects. Specifically, it would optimize the construction lifecycle processes, enhance digital transformation and promote sustainable construction projects.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/CI-04-2023-0060
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > School of Infrastructure and Sustainable Engineering > Civil Engineering
College of Engineering & Physical Sciences > Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing
Additional Information: Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited. This author accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please visit Marketplace.
Uncontrolled Keywords: 3D printing technology,Construction projects,Critical success factors (CSFs),Factor analysis,Questionnaire,Rank agreement analysis,Control and Systems Engineering,General Computer Science,Building and Construction,Architecture ,Civil and Structural Engineering
Publication ISSN: 1477-0857
Last Modified: 02 Dec 2024 08:59
Date Deposited: 31 Aug 2023 15:41
Full Text Link: https://www.eme ... -0060/full/html
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2023-08-11
Published Online Date: 2023-08-11
Accepted Date: 2023-07-20
Authors: Chang, Ruifan
Antwi-Afari, Maxwell fordjour (ORCID Profile 0000-0002-6812-7839)

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