Perceptions of 3D Printing Construction Adoption in Latin America: Opportunities, Barriers, and Strategies for Sustainable Infrastructure

Within Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), 3D Printing Construction (3DPC) offers significant potential by facilitating design flexibility, reducing reliance on formwork, and enhancing sustainability. However, the broader adoption of 3DPC is hindered by critical challenges, including lack of standards, material properties, and extra costs associated with a high initial investment. While previous studies have already explored the opportunities and barriers regulating the adoption of this technology from the perspective of a developed country, there is a critical need to better understand its potential in developing nations. This research aims to identify the AEC community's perception of 3DPC across four key dimensions: opportunities, barriers, strategies, and potential applications. Using a structured questionnaire, the perspectives of 341 construction professionals from developing regions were analyzed to comprehensively assess the feasibility and potential impact of 3DPC in these contexts, informing future strategies for effective implementation. This research contributes to understanding how 3DPC can revolutionize construction practices in developing countries, promoting sustainable and efficient infrastructure development.