Significance of 3D Printing Risks in Construction Projects

Abstract

There is a big shift towards 3D printed construction projects in the United Arab Emirates. Although these projects encourage innovation and digital transformation, they are usually riskier than traditional construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to identify and assess the risks in 3D printed construction projects in the UAE. A total of thirty risks were identified from literature. These were then grouped into six categories: 3D printing material, 3D printing equipment, 3D printing design risks, construction site and environment risks, management risks, regulatory and economic risks. A survey was then distributed to construction professionals in the UAE to evaluate the probability of occurrence and impact of each risk, sixty-six responses were collected. the severity of each risk was calculated by multiplying the probability with the impact and relative importance index was used to rank the risks accordingly. The results revealed that the top five severe risks were lack of codes for 3D printing in construction, delays in government approvals, shortage in labour skilled in 3D printed construction, lack of knowledge and information of 3D printed design concepts, changes in 3D construction codes and regulations. This research allows for proper guidance for risk response planning and control in 3D printed construction projects.