How to scale a 3D concrete printing facility? A stochastic decision-support framework for production investment
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Date
2026-02
Publication Type
Journal Article
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yes
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Abstract
The construction sector faces persistent challenges in scaling emerging technologies such as 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP), despite their potential to reduce material waste and accelerate build times. This paper addresses a key barrier to adoption: economic uncertainty in the development and deployment of 3DCP production systems. Drawing on a case study of a commercial 3DCP facility, we develop a three-stage stochastic decision-support framework to guide scaling efforts. The first stage quantifies cost uncertainties in hardware, software, and material systems. The second stage evaluates strategic development pathways under multiple future scenarios. The third stage integrates investment costs to support full cost-benefit assessments. Anchored in the Resource-Based View (RBV), our approach identifies how firms can mobilize technological, financial, and human resources in uncertain environments. Methodologically, we combine Monte Carlo simulations with Simulation Decomposition (SimDec) to enable multivariate cost-benefit analysis. The result is a practical toolkit for managers navigating early-stage innovation in construction production. This research contributes to scholarship on technology adoption, strategic investment under uncertainty, and sustainability transitions in construction.
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Publication status
published
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Book title
Journal / series
Volume
31
Pages / Article No.
180 - 200
Publisher
International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Probability distributions; Global sensitivity analysis; Uncertainty; Industrial economics
Organisational unit
03972 - Habert, Guillaume / Habert, Guillaume
02115 - Dep. Bau, Umwelt und Geomatik / Dep. of Civil, Env. and Geomatic Eng.
02284 - NFS Digitale Fabrikation / NCCR Digital Fabrication
02655 - Netzwerk Stadt u. Landschaft ARCH u BAUG / Network City and Landscape ARCH and BAUG
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