3D Concrete Printed Construction Systems
Published Sunday, October 15, 2023
HUD has studied the diffusion of innovation in the residential building industry for decades. HUD has also encouraged innovative solutions to improve the affordability and performance of housing, with a special emphasis on low- and moderate-income families. Innovative solutions are needed to address today’s housing challenges, which include a shortage of affordable housing supply, the need for resilient construction to reduce damage by natural disasters, and housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness and other at-risk populations.
Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) technology is an innovative method of construction, using robotics and specially formulated concrete material to achieve greater design flexibility, faster material hardening times, and a wide range of mechanical properties without the need for conventional formwork. The technology has been in development for years in various universities, but adoption has been slow in the United States.
3DCP residential buildings have the potential to address many housing supply challenges, including the current labor shortages in the construction industry. In addition, 3DCP residential buildings are concrete structures that can resist natural hazards, such as high wind conditions and fire, so 3DCP technologies could improve resilience. In the past few years, many types of residential buildings have been constructed using 3DCP technology, from single-family homes to larger apartment buildings.
This research study, conducted for HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research by the Home Innovation Research Lab, draws on interviews of home builders and contractors, visits to job sites, and a national survey of 305 homebuilders to understand challenges and opportunities in accelerating the adoption of 3DCP technology in residential buildings.
The two-part primer provides (1) an overview of the market potential for 3DCP technology and (2) an introduction to 3DCP construction practices. The research highlights consideration for builders, developers, architects, and design professionals in the context of designing buildings with 3DCP technology, contributing to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the adoption of innovative construction methods.
Download Part 1: Barriers & Opportunities
Download Part 2: Construction Practices