A Review of Supply Chain Dynamics of 3D Concrete Printing Construction Practice (2025-06)¶

3D printing has gained increasing interest as a revolutionary digital technology in the construction industry. This technology has been supported as an effective tool for improving construction efficiency. Through a previous systematic review study, we comprehensively analysed the benefits and challenges of 3D printing technology implementation in the construction industry. This paper will follow the findings of the review study, investigating supply chain management strategies and challenges in 3D concrete printing projects in conjunction with a questionnaire pilot study. This paper is part of an ongoing research programme focusing on the decision-making mechanism of construction supply chain management in 3D printing. The purpose of this study is to identify key challenges in 3D concrete printing and supply chain. This paper adopted data from a literature review and a questionnaire survey pilot study to investigate the challenges of 3D concrete printing implementation and its supply chain management in practical construction projects. A questionnaire survey was conducted with participants who have significant experience in the construction sector. The result of the Five-Point Likert scale questionnaire was statistically analysed and interpreted. As a result, the critical challenges of 3D concrete printing projects have been defined. The findings show that high initial investment, technology awareness, regulation support as well as workforce training significantly affect 3D printing implementation in the construction sector. The study result provides the research programme with practical data in 3D concrete printing practice. The findings of this paper support a follow-up study in discussing the decision-making of the 3D concrete printing supply chain.