Additive Manufacturing and the Construction Industry

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM), including 3D printing, has the potential to transform the construction industry. AM allows the construction industry to use complex and innovative geometries to build an object, building block, wall, or frame from a computer model. As such, it has potential opportunities for the construction industry and specific applications in the deep renovation process. While AM can provide significant benefits in the deep renovation process, it is not without its own environmental footprint and barriers. In this chapter, AM is defined, and the main materials used within the construction industry are outlined. This chapter also explores the benefits and challenges of implementing AM within the construction industry before concluding with a discussion of the future areas of development for AM in construction.