Abu Dhabi University inaugurates state-of-the-art 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab

• The Lab is equipped with advanced 3D printing technology that will allow for the rapid prototyping and production of concrete structures
• Technology allows the creation intricate shapes and designs that were impossible to create using traditional construction methods.

Abu Dhabi, UAE: As part of its ongoing efforts to provide students with unique learning opportunities, Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU), College of Engineering (CoE), has inaugurated a 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab in its Abu Dhabi campus. This Lab uses advanced 3D printing technologies to help with the prototyping concrete structures. The technology allows the creation complex shapes and designs, which would otherwise be impossible using traditional construction methods.

ADU’s senior management team attended the inauguration, including Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor, Dr. Hamad Odhabi, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Thomas Glas-Hochstettler, Provost,  Prof. Philip Hamill, Associate Provost for Research, Dr. Hamdi Sheibani, Dean of the College of Engineering,  Dr. Samer Al Martini and Dr. Reem Sabouni, the lead researchers and associate professors in the Department of Civil Engineering, the research assistants, and ADU undergraduate students participating in the research.

The Lab houses state-of-the art 3D printing equipment for students and faculty, including the 3D Concrete Gantry Lab print printer. The printer, which is the first in its class in a UAE university lab, can produce various laboratory scale concrete structural elements (e.g. columns, beams and walls) in various shapes and sizes.

ADU hopes to encourage creativity and innovation among its students through similar learning opportunities. The Lab will also contribute to ADU’s environmental sustainability efforts by reducing waste and material usage, promoting energy efficiency, and encouraging innovative designs among faculty and students. The Lab will make it easier for women to join a male-dominated field, as 3D concrete printing is a less labor intensive construction method that relies more on technology.

Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University (ADU), said: “The 3D Concrete Printing Lab represents a significant step forward in the field of construction technology. This facility will allow our faculty and students to discover new ideas and expand the boundaries of this field. ADU is a hub of innovation that provides sustainable and inclusive solutions for industry-focused issues to students, faculty, and wider UAE communities. Additionally, we aim to provide a well-rounded educational experience and the latest innovative technologies to develop our student’s futuristic skillset and prepare a generation of researchers and innovators.”

The Lab is the fruit of ADU’s recent win in the prestigious ASPIRE grant awarded by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in the UAE. The research team led by Dr. Samer Al Martini, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at ADU and Dr. Reem Sabouni, Associate Professor, received a grant to study the application of 3D concrete technology for the UAE construction industry to help in promote sustainability in the UAE’s construction sectors.

3D printing technology allows for unique and creative building designs. The 3D printing process promotes sustainable building practices. It allows precise measurements, minimal waste of materials during construction and reduces energy consumption.

For more information about ADU’s programs, visit: https://www.adu.ac.ae/study/programs/program-finder

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Abu Dhabi University

Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is one of the region’s leading academic institutions and one of the UAE’s top three universities according to the Times Higher Rankings, working in line with the UAE Government’s National Agenda to deliver internationally accredited academic programs and world class research. The University was established in 2003 and has campuses located in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Al Ain, Al Dhafra and Al Ain. It is home to over 7,500 students representing more than 100 nationalities. ADU offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs in many different disciplines.

Abu Dhabi University is known for its cutting-edge, internationally accredited programs, additionally, ADU’s graduates are highly employable and work in high jobs and further studies with the university and other prestigious institutions. ADU offers its students and faculty world-class learning opportunities, resources, and facilities that support innovation. Strong international collaborations are enjoyed by the University with top academic institutions as well as with both public and private sector organisations. With institutional accreditation from the US-based Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission (WASC), ADU is ranked 301-350 universities in the world according to the 2023 Times Higher Education World University rankings and received 5 stars in the 2022 QS Stars rating. Abu Dhabi University is one the most prestigious universities in Abu Dhabi, with prestigious accreditations at subject, college, and institutional levels.

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Weber Shandwick for Abu Dhabi University
Sara Farrah
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