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UAE, Saudi Arabia To Use 3D Printing Technology For Buildings | |
| Sumita Pawar |
3D printed construction, according to the news, is an innovative approach to the building industry that uses 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, according to the report.
3D printing allows for the creation of complex and intricate designs with ease.
The Middle East is seeing an increase in demand for 3D-printed projects as a result of some of its ground-breaking advantages. For instance, 3D printing enables the design and printing of more complicated patterns than conventional manufacturing techniques, which helps in creating more flexible designs.
Additionally, 3D printing is environmentally friendly because it uses less material waste than previous methods and is, therefore, more efficient, as highlighted in the report.
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The report further mentions some 3D-constructed projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which include,
Dubai Future Foundation Building
According to the report, this building’s entire structure was created using a 3D printer, which was installed on site within two days. This innovative project’s construction method reduced labour costs by over 50 percent compared to traditional buildings of similar size. It also minimised waste on the site, leading to a reduced environmental footprint for the project.
The Dubai Future Foundation building bagged a Guinness World Records title as the world’s first 3D-printed commercial building.
Mosque in 3D Printing
Dubai is close to achieving the world’s first fully functional 3D-printed mosque, located in Bur Dubai. The 2,000-square-meter mosque’s construction, which began in October 2023, will accommodate around 600 worshippers. The mosque is set to open in 2025, and its 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 for worshippers.
Hospital of the Future, Qatar
Qatar is attempting to integrate 3D printing technology into its medical sector. On 1.3 million square metres of land between Qatar University and Lusail City, the Al Daayan Health District, also known as the hospital of the future, will be focused around a two-story building. This project aims to reflect the continuously expanding innovation in the medical profession.
World’s Largest 3D-printed Concrete Building, Oman
The largest 3D-printed building made of actual concrete has been created by a team that includes the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), Mexican cement manufacturer Cemex, and Danish 3D printer manufacturer Cobod. The 190-square-meter building has three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a reception area.
3D Printing Bus Stop, Ajman
Ajman has a 3D bus stop that was built using 3D concrete printing. The entire construction took less than 10 hours to complete, using only three pieces.
3D-Printed Resort, Saudi Arabia
The newest hotel chain to use 3D printing techniques in the construction of its buildings is Habitas. Now, it is one of the best-known operators in the industry of sustainable hotels. First established in Tulum, Mexico, the company wanted to make its mark in the Middle East by launching Habitas' second branch in AIUIA, Saudi Arabia.
Construction of Federal Facilities, UAE
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) in the United Arab Emirates has long sought to support innovation and sustainable development.
Work on the courthouse and the Madam Partial Prosecution Building, the first federal building to be built using 3D printing technology, has started. This is a fundamentally new development in building construction because it is predicted to speed up the process and cut costs.
The use of 3D printing technology on this project, which is the first of its kind in the field of building federal buildings, is expected to cut costs by 50 percent and reduce waste by more than 60 percent.
First 3D-printed house in the Middle East, UAE
At the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTI Park), the first completely operational 3D-printed villa in the Middle East was created using 3D technology. The CEO of SRTI Park, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, said that the villa was done in just two weeks.
Dubai Municipality Building
The two-story building, constructed by Apis Cor, claims to be the biggest 3D-printed structure ever. The building, which is 9.5 metres high and has a 640-square-metre floor area, was made for Dubai Municipality. The printing was done outside while enduring changes in the weather and temperature, according to the report.
CEO and founder of Apis Co., Nikita Cheniuntai, said, "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."
As the report concluded, the Middle East is already a centre of robotic building innovation. Early research indicates that robotic production can reduce construction waste and labour costs, which is primarily why 3D printing is the current trend.