The International Code Council (ICC) is making significant strides in formalizing guidelines for 3D Automated Construction Technology, specifically for 3D concrete walls. As the use of 3D printing in construction gains momentum, the ICC is working to establish standards that will address requirements for this emerging technology.

The organization has been developing these standards since October 2023, with the goal of providing clear guidelines for interior and exterior 3D concrete walls. These standards will apply to components built with or without structural steel reinforcement and cover various structural applications, including load-bearing walls, non-load-bearing walls, and shear walls in single-story and multi-story structures.

The ICC held its most recent meeting on October 11, where it approved the public comment draft of the proposed standards. The next public hearing is scheduled for Friday, February 14, during which members of the evaluation committee will review feedback received from the public comment period, which concluded in January.

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3D Printing in Construction Faces Code Challenges

Despite its potential, 3D printing has faced hurdles in widespread commercial adoption due to lagging code integration. Industry experts have pointed out that regulatory processes often slow down the acceptance of new construction technologies.

“The issue is that it takes a really long time for new technologies and building innovations to get incorporated into the building code,” said Patti Harburg-Petrich, former principal at the Los Angeles office of U.K.-based engineering firm Buro Happold, in 2023. “That’s for good reason: safety is the highest priority, so the building code is inherently conservative. But that also makes it a long, time-consuming, expensive process to get new technology incorporated into the code.”

While regulatory approval remains a challenge, contractors continue to explore 3D printing for large-scale construction projects. Georgia-based general contractor FMGI, in collaboration with Greeley, Colorado-based Alquist 3D, recently completed a 3D-printed addition at a Walmart location in Athens, Tennessee. The partnership is set to embark on another project this month, a 5,000-square-foot expansion for a Walmart Supercenter in Huntsville, Alabama, as detailed on FMGI’s website.

ICC’s Role in Standardizing 3D Printing

The ICC has already implemented measures to accommodate 3D printing within residential construction, including standards for tiny homes and provisions in the general residential code. However, with the growing interest in commercial applications, industry stakeholders are eager to see the new standards finalized.

If adopted, these guidelines will provide a framework for ensuring safety, quality, and compliance in 3D-printed concrete construction. As discussions continue, the ICC’s efforts signal a crucial step toward integrating cutting-edge construction techniques into mainstream practice.

With contractors and developers actively experimenting with 3D printing technology, the establishment of formal standards could help accelerate its adoption across the industry. The outcome of the February 14 hearing will be closely watched by construction professionals seeking clarity on how 3D printing can fit within existing regulatory frameworks.

Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.