3D Concrete Printing Feasibility Study
A South Australian Government client engaged RPS to prepare an independent feasibility study for a proposed 3D concrete printing pilot project in Adelaide.
The pilot considered whether 3D concrete printing could be used to deliver two small assets: a storage facility and a meeting pod. The study tested the proposed approach against traditional construction, considering technical feasibility, commercial credibility, regulatory readiness, comparative cost, risk and value for money.
RPS delivered a feasibility report that gave the client an evidence-based foundation for an internal go/no-go decision and helped identify what would be required if the pilot progressed to the next stage of implementation planning.
The challenge
The client needed to understand whether a small 3D concrete-printed building could realistically be delivered in a live urban precinct, and whether the method offered enough value to justify further progression.
The challenge was broader than testing a building form. The study needed to consider whether the technology could work safely, efficiently and compliantly in real-world conditions, while also exposing potential limitations such as regulatory uncertainty, market capability, hidden costs and delivery constraints.
Because 3D concrete printing does not yet have the same maturity as traditional construction, the feasibility assessment also needed to consider the compliance pathway, material performance, reinforcement integration, durability, thermal performance and site logistics required to support a credible pilot.
Our approach
RPS applied a structured feasibility framework to compare 3D concrete printing with traditional construction across scope, cost, compliance, risk, delivery requirements and strategic value.
The team worked with the client through a scope definition workshop and drew on client-provided material, publicly available information, technical adviser input, RPS cost management expertise and NDY technical input through the Tetra Tech network.
The study included market capability assessment, delivery options analysis, case study review, SWOT analysis and qualitative risk assessment. It also considered how 3D concrete printing could integrate with existing construction methods, rather than assuming the technology would replace traditional delivery outright.
This approach helped balance opportunity with risk, giving the client a practical view of where the pilot showed promise, where constraints remained, and what would need to be resolved before proceeding.
The result
The feasibility report found that 3D concrete printing is technically viable at concept level for the proposed pilot, but only with clear constraints, careful scope definition and strong technical and regulatory planning.
The report also found that traditional construction remains the more mature and lower-risk option for delivery. For 3D concrete printing to progress, early regulatory engagement and a performance-based compliance pathway would be critical.
By setting out the benefits, limitations, risks and next steps, RPS helped the client make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the pilot and what planning would be required to support safe, compliant and value-for-money delivery.
The project supports broader government priorities around innovation, productivity, sustainability and capability development by testing a modern method of construction in a clear, evidence-based way.
