Myths and Reality of Implementing Three-Dimensional Technology in Construction

Abstract

Due to the increased demand for more sustainable building environments, and the excessive need in building field to meet the designer's requirements such as irregular,complex shaped structures, the utilization of three-dimensional technology (3D printing or additive manufacturing (AM)) by engineers in construction sector is increased globally. The key-advantages of use 3D printing method over traditional building methods are: low labor cost, less waste materials, freedom in design, faster construction, no need for formwork and reduce the risk and safety issues in construction sites. In theory, the printing is based on using 3D computer-aided-design (CAD) to materialize the whole building structure by just pressing a button in the 3D printer that brought to the construction site while the reality is not like that. This paper presents most recent developed innovative methodology used for 3D printing, possible printed building materials and the existed 3D printed structures in reality towards spotting the light on the most high-tech applications in construction and the possibility to adopt such technology in Iraq to overcome the challenges in design with faster building methods towards develop the country in construction sector.