Buildings across the UAE to be 3D printed

Dubai - 3D printing could cut construction waste by another 30 to 60 per cent

The future buildings to be built across the country are to be 3D printed, Khaleej Times has learnt.

According to Eng Munira Abdul Kareem, manager of project execution department with the ministry of infrastructure development, on Thursday said they are geared up to adopt the 3D printing technologies in the future.

"All the buildings the ministry is to be build in the future across the UAE are to be 3D printed in line with the national agenda of the country and the UAE 2021 vision."

The ministry is to organise a variety of over 20 workshops and launch many other initiatives to support the infrastructure development of the country and boost the sustainable development here, she added.

"Using 3D printing technology will cut the costs of construction by 80 per cent, and save up to 70 per cent of the time needed, and 50 per cent of the manpower required."

These are apart from the incomparable flexibility of the aspired building designs, regardless of their heights and sizes, she explained. "The 3D technology is also unsurpassed in terms of less power consumption and harmful emissions which may only hit 25 to 30 per cent."

3D printing, according to some construction industry accounts, could reduce labor costs by 50 to 80 per cent and cut construction waste by another 30 to 60 per cent while also compressing the construction schedule from months to weeks.

"Seeking to corner this emerging market, firms have used or proposed the use of 3D printers to build novel structures ranging from high-rise villas to disaster-relief shelters to research outposts on Mars."

But here on Earth, humanitarian groups such as the United Nations believe the technology could meet the more immediate need to help house some of the world's expected 6 billion people who will be homeless by 2030., they added.

The ministry is also planning to introduce new innovative school building designs in the future, Abdul Kareem stated. "We want to build smart schools as per the latest international standards adopted in modern schools worldwide."

Lecturing about innovation keys, Eng Azza Sulaiman, FNC member, said the concept must be observed in all government departments, and even become a lifestyle.

"The Innovation Week is an indication to the quantum leaps the UAE has passed and how our prudent leaders care for our past, present and future, as well as our prosperity and welfare."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com