Despite its potential benefits in cost reduction, construction time reduction and promotion of sustainable development, 3D printing technology has yet to be widely adopted in the construction industry. The objective of this study is to uncover the interrelationships among barriers to 3D printing adoption in construction in order to provide their comprehensive and structured understanding.
The study utilized the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) method to discover both direct and indirect relationships among barriers to 3D printing adoption in construction. Firstly, the study conducted a systematic literature review to identify key barriers, followed by expert brainstorming sessions to validate and refine them. The final TISM model was validated by expert assessment and MICMAC analysis classified barriers based on their driving and dependency power.
The study identified eight key barriers to 3D printing adoption in construction, namely, technology-related barriers, financial resource-related barriers, legal and regulatory-related barriers, workforce-related barriers, design-related barriers, culture and knowledge-related barriers, construction environment and site-related barriers and market demand-related barriers. The results of TISM analysis revealed that technology-related barriers and legal and regulatory-related barriers are the most influential driving barriers, directly impacting other barriers. The MICMAC analysis also stresses how important it is to break down technological and regulatory barriers in order to encourage the adoption of 3D printing in construction.
This study emphasizes that overcoming barriers to 3D printing adoption requires both long-term strategies – such as regulatory alignment, standardization of materials and collaborative innovation – and short-term actions like pilot projects and public-sector implementation. It calls for multi-stakeholder coordination, including public–private partnerships and government-led initiatives, to build confidence, reduce risks and accelerate adoption. By addressing both core and secondary barriers through a systemic and phased approach, the study offers a practical roadmap for industry professionals and policymakers, especially in developing countries, to foster scalable, sustainable integration of 3D printing in construction.
The study highlights the social impact of adopting 3D printing in construction by addressing key issues such as skilled labor shortages, housing demand and urban sustainability. By promoting automation and reducing reliance on manual labor, 3D printing can help alleviate workforce constraints, especially in aging or under-skilled populations. Moreover, its application in affordable housing and public infrastructure supports social equity by delivering faster, more cost-effective solutions to underserved communities. Through government-backed projects and inclusive policy frameworks, the technology has the potential to improve living standards, create new digital-era jobs and contribute to sustainable, inclusive urban development.
While previous studies mostly concentrated on listing and grouping the barriers, this study expands on current knowledge by revealing the hierarchical structure and interdependence of the barriers. This study can provide a strategic roadmap for stakeholders to systematically address the barriers. In other words, the findings provide valuable insights into prioritizing strategies, enabling stakeholders to speed up the adoption of 3D printing technology in construction.
