3D Printing in Construction: Integrating Additive Manufacturing, Materials Innovation, and On-Site Automation

The construction industry is rapidly adopting additive manufacturing (AM) — commonly called 3D printing — to reduce waste, accelerate schedules, and enable novel design forms. This paper presents a structured study on the feasibility of large-scale 3D printing in building construction, focusing on material selection (cementitious mixes and geopolymer alternatives), robotic extrusion systems, and on-site integration with conventional trades. A scale 3D-printed wall and connection prototype was produced to demonstrate layer adhesion, thermal performance, and constructability. Results indicate potential reductions in material waste and labor time, improved geometric freedom, and comparable thermal mass when optimized mixes are used. The study discusses barriers such as material standardization, on-site logistics, and regulatory compliance, and suggests pathways for scalable adoption.