Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 2026, 16(8), 2026-0189
Exploring Adoption Benefits of Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing in Construction
1 Department
Head, Department of Construction Economics and Management, University of
Rwanda College of Science and Technology, E-mail: o.dosumu@ur.ac.rw
(corresponding author).
2 Professor, Department of Quantity
Surveying, Federal University of Technology, Akure, E-mail:emayok@gmail.com
3 Department Head, Department of
Construction Economics and Management, Makerere University College of
Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, E-mail: kibwami@gmail.com
4 Researcher, University of Rwanda
College of Science and Technology, E-mail: fredericnyaminani@gmail.com
5 Assistant Lecturer, University of
Rwanda College of Science and Technology, E-mail:uwaeujane@gmail.com
6 Postgraduate Teacher, Department
of Civil & Building Services Engineering, Mbarara University of Science
and Technology, Ringgold ID 108123, E-mail: eoennadi@must.ac.ug
7 Researcher, University of Lagos,
Faculty of Environmental Sciences, E-mail: oakinsiku@unilag.edu.ng
Project Management
Received August 12, 2026; revised September 9, 2026, September 19, 2026; accepted September 30, 2026
Available online October 20, 2026
Abstract: Three-Dimensional (3D) printing has evolved from being a demonstration technology to being deployed on construction projects. However, most of the evidence supporting this shift comes from developed countries in the Global North. The studies in developing economies have focused mainly on feasibility, materials and barriers to adoption. The benefits that practitioners expect to achieve are not well documented. This paper explores those benefits using Nigeria as the case study. A quantitative approach was used. Structured questionnaires were given to 171 construction professionals working in contracting and consulting firms in Lagos State. From these 73 usable responses were collected, giving a response rate of 42.7%. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis. All eighteen benefits examined were rated significant. Improved affordability ranked highest, followed by construction safety, reduced manpower, improved productivity and increased precision; construction without formwork, reduced waste, sustainability, improved quality and design flexibility followed closely. Factor analysis resolved the benefits into three dimensions: sustainability and quality control, resource management, and construction accuracy and reputation, which together explained 66.58% of the total variance. The contribution is a straightforward one. Existing work has mainly addressed the applications and drivers of 3D printing adoption. This study establishes an empirically grounded framework of adoption benefits as perceived by practitioners in a developing economy. Construction organizations, professional institutions and government agencies can use that structure when appraising the technology. The findings also indicate that realized benefits depend on how well the technology is understood and on the strength of the institutional and industrial environment supporting it.
Keywords: 3D printing; additive manufacturing; construction 4.0; digital construction; Nigeria.
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Citation: Dosumu, O. S., Oke, A., Kibwami, N., Nyaminani, F., Uwanyiringira, J., Nnadi, E. E. O., and Akinsiku, O. E. (2026). Exploring Adoption Benefits of Three-Dimensional (3D) Printing in Construction . Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 16(8), 2026-0189.
