Wohlers Associates, powered by ASTM International, published Wohlers Specialty Report on Construction: Building an Additive Construction Future. The report details developments in additive construction (AC), an industry that is rapidly growing in response to emerging opportunities brought about from additive manufacturing and 3D printing.

“ASTM International sees AC as the next frontier in construction,” notes Terry Wohlers, head of advisory services and market intelligence at Wohlers Associates. “To gain a view of what is ahead, it is important to understand the technology’s current state.”

“This specialty report features advancements in AC, a rundown of nearly 200 players in this sector, updates on efforts underway in various geographic regions, and a comprehensive overview of specific applications and materials,” Wohlers adds.

“Construction is among the oldest and largest industries in the world,” notes Stephan Mansour, Wohlers Associates consultant and principal author of the report. “However, issues of growing demand, a declining workforce, and rising material costs require new ways of thinking. AC presents alternative methods and tools that have the potential to be more efficient and sustainable and help address increasing demands on the sector.”

Use cases from key market players are presented as examples of AC. They examine how AC can improve traditional construction methods and outline specific challenges and ways they can be addressed in the future.

The report includes a range of tables, charts, and images and looks at the industry’s current research and development initiatives. The development of standards around AC is discussed. As they develop, so too will the industry.

“Global population is expected to rise, so construction will increase, even as the workforce declines and costs rise,” notes Mansour. “AC offers new solutions that are promising but are being met with the caution of many. We know AC is a quickly expanding sector, but more information on what works and what does not, along with good decision-making, are needed.”

Mansour notes that the Wohlers Specialty Report on Construction aims to increase understanding and offer a comprehensive look at the technology with a level of detail that is not available elsewhere.

The report is geared towards design and building professionals in the construction industry looking to leverage AC, he adds.

Wohlers Specialty Report on Construction is now available at wohlersassociates.com/construction2022.