Details of Research Outputs

3-D printing brings huge potentials to construction projects such as time, cost, quality and safety. Objectives of construction projects can be enhanced and achieved with superior performances. This research has investigated the perceptions of construction engineers towards the benefits and obstacles of 3 –D printing in construction projects. The questionnaire survey was conducted in Ningbo, China. The survey participants include building engineers, architects, civil engineers, project managers, MEP engineers and consulting engineers. A total of 100 replies were received. The respondents show very positive perceptions towards the benefits of 3-D printing. ‘Reduced material wastage’, ‘reduced equipment usage’ and ‘improved safety in construction site’ are the top three benefits. The obstacles are related to technical competence, materials and size/cost of 3-D printer. Outcomes of the survey are discussed in detail with future researches, especially the integration between 3-D printing and Building Information Modelling (BIM).