Investigating the Barriers To the Adoption of 3d Printing Technology in the Turkish Construction Industry

Abstract

In recent years, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative force in construction technology. This innovative technology has found applications in many construction and bridge-building projects, starting a new era of automation and efficiency. Notably, the impact of 3D printing on the construction industry has been profound, yielding benefits such as reduced labor requirements, minimized material waste, accelerated project timelines, and a significant reduction in hazardous tasks for human workers. In contrast to conventional construction approaches, 3D printing stands out for its environmentally friendly characteristics, challenging traditional notions of geometric complexities and constraints in construction processes. While 3D printing technology undeniably offers a multitude of advantages over traditional methodologies, it is crucial to acknowledge that it also introduces its own set of unique challenges and risks. The main aim of this study is to investigate the barriers that hinder the adoption of 3D printing technology in the Turkish construction industry. Towards this, first, the list of potential barriers was extracted from multiple reputable sources, including Scopus, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases. Based on this list, an online questionnaire was prepared to assess the impact of 19 potential barriers on the implementation of 3D printing technology in the Turkish construction industry. The findings and research directions articulated in this study create fresh pathways for further inquiry and substantial contributions to the evolving field of 3D printing in the construction industry. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.