Governing construction projects in which 3D printing is applied

An integration of traditional project governance, product design and innovation

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Abstract

3D Printing is an emerging manufacturing technology that is in a research and prototyping stage in the construction industry. This research presents a governance framework for construction projects in which large scale freeform 3D printing is applied, based on empirical data of 7 case studies. The observed governance in the case studies is a combination of existing governance models for construction projects, product design and innovation. Traditional project governance was found to be invalid for 3D printed objects. For these objects a product design approach is required. Based on the best practices and challenges observed in the case studies, governance structures were designed for two types of projects: construction projects in which 3D printed components are applied, and a building in which the majority is 3D printed. Both scenario's will be competitive with traditional practice for specific projects and/or components, and are expected to be introduced in the construction industry in the medium term future (2-5 years).

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