TITLE:
Evaluating the Potential of 3D Concrete Printing to Revolutionize Quality Control in Construction
AUTHORS:
Jeffrey Molavi
KEYWORDS:
3D Concrete Printing, Quality Control, Additive Manufacturing, Construction Automation, Digital Construction, Building Information Modeling
JOURNAL NAME:
Engineering,
Vol.18 No.8,
August
21,
2026
ABSTRACT: The construction industry continues to face persistent quality control challenges arising from material inconsistencies, human error, dimensional deviations, construction defects, and project delays. Three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP), also known as additive manufacturing in construction, has emerged as a promising technology capable of addressing many of these issues through automation and digital fabrication. By depositing cementitious materials layer-by-layer directly from digital models, 3DCP enhances dimensional accuracy, improves material consistency, reduces dependence on manual labor, and enables real-time monitoring of construction processes. This study examines the potential of 3D concrete printing to improve quality management and quality control practices in construction projects. A structured literature review was conducted using major academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ASCE Library, SpringerLink, and Wiley Online Library. Relevant publications were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected studies were analyzed to identify quality performance indicators, including dimensional accuracy, material consistency, rework costs, inspection costs, productivity, and material waste. The findings indicate that 3DCP offers significant opportunities to improve construction quality through automation, digital monitoring, Building Information Modeling (BIM) integration, and sensor-based quality assurance systems. Case studies from Dubai, the Netherlands, and the United States demonstrate practical applications of automated quality control, dimensional precision, and real-time process monitoring. However, challenges related to standardization, regulatory acceptance, long-term durability, and high initial investment costs continue to limit widespread implementation. The study concludes that 3D concrete printing has considerable potential to transform construction quality management while contributing to sustainability and productivity objectives.