ABSTRACT
In recent years the application of transformative technologies has, across a number of industries, represented a challenge to current industry paradigms, resulting in significant improvements in both technical capabilities and output efficiency, whilst disrupting established business models. Many industries are facing an uncertain future in which today’s technological limitations cannot be assumed to apply. The construction industry is likely to be significantly affected by potentially transformative technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), artificial intelligence, and virtual/augmented reality. The application of such technologies presents both significant opportunities and challenges. There are a lot of bottlenecks that need to be resolved before we can maximize the positive impacts of transformative technologies on the construction industry. It is often claimed that additive manufacturing (AM) will transform the way we construct structures and buildings. Although, still in its infancy, this technology is likely to become an important part of the construction industry in relatively near future. AM as one of the most highlighted key enabling technologies has the potential to create disruptive solutions along with automation and robotics, that are at the forefront of building innovation. Material formulations and the science behind the interactions of different components undoubtedly counts as a vital workforce that determines the successful implementation of AM technology in the construction industry. There are fundamental interdependencies between the materials, the printing technologies, and both the scale and geometrical complexity of any printed structure. The construction industry can potentially take utmost advantage of the benefits of AM, e.g. improve safety, reduce labor and time, and advance customization. The key for successful development and implementation of AM is industry stakeholder collaboration involving materials science, architecture/design, computation, and robotics. Automation in construction will happen, there is no question about it and AM will have its role to a certain extent, as it cannot be the sole solution to major problems in the sector.
