3D printed construction, an innovative approach to the building industry utilises 3D printing technology to create structures. This method has the potential to revolutionise the way we build and construct, offering numerous benefits over traditional construction methods.
The GCC has taken a step into the 3D printing industry, with various structures built using the technology across the region.
3D printed construction allows the creation of complex and intricate designs with ease, here are some 3D constructed projects in UAE and Saudi Arabia:
3D printed mosque – Dubai
Dubai is in the works to make home for the world’s first fully functional 3D printed mosque, the emirate’s Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities (IACAD) revealed.
Located in Bur Dubai, the 2,000 square metre mosque’s construction will begin in October, and will accommodate 600 worshippers. The mosque is set to open in 2025.
The mosque’s structure, which will be built using 3D printing technology, will take about four months to complete and an additional 12 months to add appropriate facilities, IACAD said.
“The cost is 30 percent higher than building the mosque in the normal way because it is the first of its kind in the world,” IACAD’s Al Suwaidi said in a statement, adding that cost will be similar in the future with a 30-year building guarantee.
IACAD is currently coordinating with Dubai Municipality for final approvals on the design.
3D printed house – Saudi Arabia
Dar Al Arkan, one of the leading real estate companies in Saudi Arabia launched the first ever 3D construction printed (3DCP) villa in the kingdom.
The villa was printed directly on-site without any cooling equipment or shade, indicating that the technology can be used to build homes throughout the year despite weather conditions.
The villa built in Shams Al Riyadh utilised locally made materials including cement, sand, rocks and stones, with varying degrees of concentration, to ensure the structure is up to four times stronger than traditional construction.
Dubai Future Foundation building
The building’s entire structure was created using a 3D printer with an additive concrete ‘printing’ method. The printer, measuring 20 feet in height, 120 feet in length, and 40 feet in width, included an automated robotic arm for implementing the printing process.
The printing process took 17 days and was installed on-site within two days. The project’s subsequent work on building services, interiors, and landscape took around three months. This innovative construction method reduced labour costs by over 50 percent compared to traditional buildings of similar size, while minimising waste on the site, leading to a reduced environmental footprint for the project.
The 3D-printed office building is a single-storey is the headquarters for the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). The building also bagged a Guinness World Records title for the world’s First 3D-printed commercial building.
The Office of the Future reiterates Dubai’s goal to have 25 percent of all new buildings 3D printed by 2025.
3D printed villa – Sharjah
The Middle East’s first fully functioning 3D-printed villa, known as the “green” house, gained international recognition. Located in Sharjah, engineers used a AED1 million robot to 3D-print the house, which was made of eco-friendly, sustainable cement. The building process was completed in just under two weeks.
“In order to become a regional development centre for 3D printing construction, we aim to create a suitable research and development environment for the private, academic and public sector to benefit,” Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park had said during the announcement in 2019.
3D printed bus stop – Ajman
Ajman has a 3D bus stop constructed by ACCIONA. The bus stop was constructed using 3D concrete printing technology. Made using three pieces, the entire structure took less than 10 hours to build.
Jesús Sancho, managing director, ACCIONA Middle East said, “We are delighted and proud to see that the leaders and visionaries of the Government of Ajman share the same passion for innovation, cutting-edge technology and while sharing the same interest in deploying sustainable solutions as ACCIONA does. We deeply appreciate the trust placed by the top management of the Transport Authority of the Government of Ajman since the first time that they visited our facilities and believed in this project.”
Dubai Municipality building
Built by Apis Cor, the two-storey building is supposedly the largest 3D-printed building in the world.
Measuring 9.5 metres high with a floor area of 640 square metres, the structure was built for Dubai Municipality.
The printing took place in the open withstanding external temperature and environmental factors.
“The project gave us unique knowledge and invaluable experience that will help us improve our technology and develop a new version of our 3D printer,” said Nikita Cheniuntai, CEO and founder, Apis Co.
Benefits of 3D printed construction
One of the biggest advantages of 3D construction is – speed. With 3D printing, construction can be completed in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods. This not only saves time but also reduces labour costs, as fewer workers are needed on site.
Additionally, the use of 3D printing also results in less waste and a smaller carbon footprint, as there is less need for the transportation of heavy materials to the construction site.
3D printing also opens up new possibilities for innovation and creativity in the field of architecture and engineering.
3D construction also eliminates the need for manual labour. With 3D printing, construction is done with precision and accuracy, ensuring that structures are built to exact specifications and reducing the need for repairs or renovations.
Challenges of 3D printed construction
Despite the many benefits of 3D construction, there are still some challenges, for example, the cost of 3D printing technology is still relatively high, making it less accessible to many construction companies.
Additionally, there are concerns about the strength and durability of structures built using 3D printing technology, as they have yet to be fully tested over time.
3D construction offers a range of benefits over traditional construction methods. With further development and investment, it has the potential to transform the building industry and change the way of building and constructing in the future.
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