German Technology University of Oman (GUtech), is said to have broken the world record for 3D printing buildings on-site at the fastest speed – three new 173-sqm structures were created in just eight days using a Cobod International construction printer.
The new 3D printed buildings – a coffee shop, a public toilet and a fisherman’s house – have been erected in Duqm, the Special Economic Zone of Oman, in cooperation with general contractor Teejan and Cobod.
These structures were all 3D printed with local raw materials. Cobod and Cemex developed the Dfab solution which allows concrete to be 3D printed at a very affordable cost with 99% of locally sourced materials.
Concrete costs for all three buildings totalled $3,600. All buildings have load bearing walls that are free from columns, roof slabs, and 3D printed parapets.
Cobod claims that the world’s first 3D-printed building was a commercial coffee shop, with a floor area measuring 81 square meters. It was completed in three days by the GU Tech team, who allocated eight hours per day.
The building, which stands 12 ft tall, was made using 19.6 cu m of concrete produced from locally available raw materials and Cobod’s Dfab solution.
The total floor area of the public toilet was 20 sq m. It took 13 hours to print. This was split into two days. Concrete was used to make the structure, which measures 3.5m tall.
The fisherman’s house has been 3D built with a 72-sq-m floor area. GUtech specialists took only 19 hours to complete the building. The printing was divided into two days.
This house stands at 10 feet tall.
According to Teejan, the Danish 3D printing pioneer, all 3D printed buildings were created in collaboration with him as a general contractor.
Cobod claims that GUtech has previously impressed the world with its 3D printing of the largest concrete building at 190 sq m.
Dr. Yousuf Al Bulushi, GUtech, said that the 3D concrete printing was introduced in Oman. This is a demonstration of how you can adopt the newest technology in construction and use it to your advantage.
“We have demonstrated the potential of 3D printing with the record-breaking printing in Duqm. He noted that we have great faith in the Omani expert team and are striving to exceed our expectations.
Cobod stated that the Duqm authorities approved the 3D-printed construction method and issued permits for the 3D-printed buildings.
“It is a proud honor to have designed the buildings that were 3D printed by GUtech, and approved in Duqm. The buildings are futuristic and aspirational because they have curves and unusual shapes,” commented Zaid Marmash (head architect for the Middle East at Cobod).
He stated that both 3D concrete printing as well as Duqm were very promising and that GUtech was proving the promise is being realised.
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