Additive construction production: assessment of the technology economic efficiency in comparison with traditional construction methods

The study results of the additive construction production technology (3D concrete construction printing) economic efficiency in comparison with traditional construction methods in low-rise individual housing construction (IHC) segment are presented. The research relevance is due to the need for an objective assessment of the innovative technology competitiveness amid systemic challenges in the industry – staff shortages and stagnation in labor productivity. Based on the questionnaire method and open source data, a unique sample of implemented pilot 3D printing projects from key participants in the Russian market was formed and analyzed. A comparative analysis with an extensive database of standard projects built according to the traditional technologies was performed. The article identifies and substantiates the current objective price range for additive construction facilities, identifies key factors affecting their cost, and ranks the technology relative to traditional analogues. It is established that in terms of unit cost, 3D printing in construction is already competing with the top quartile of projects implemented according to traditional technologies. The results obtained form an empirical basis for assessing investment attractiveness and scaling potential of additive technologies in the construction industry.