Dubai has been on the bleeding edge of pushing the boundaries of construction for over a decade. The famous Burj Khalifa, the current World’s Tallest Building, but the United Arab Emirates on the map. Since then, the country has poured money and resources into the construction industry and have sets their sights on a new challenge: 3D construction printing.
Starting in 2019, Dubai will begin their new goal of 3D printing 25% of every new building in the city. They plan to gradually work their way up to 25% by starting with a goal of 2% 3D printed buildings in the first year.
The “Dubai 3D Printing Strategy,” as it’s being called, is meant to set Dubai up to be the “leading hub of 3D printing technology by the year 2030.” Specifically in the construction sector, Dubai will be focusing on foundations, joints, park facilities, buildings for humanitarian causes, and mobile homes. Outside of construction, the Dubai Health Authority has committed to exploring 3D printed prosthetic limbs, teeth, and hearing aids.
The Dubai Future Foundation estimates that 3D printing technology can save 50-70% of construction costs, 50-80% of labor costs, and reduce waste by up to 60%.
Back in 2016, Dubai successfully 3D printed a fully functional office building in 19 days. That building was also part of the 3D printing strategy and was seen as a case study that would benefit regulators, researchers, and developers.
Full story: Dubai 3D Printing Strategy | Dubai Future Foundation [via BDC Network]
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