The World’s biggest 3D printed building has official been opened in Dubai. It is a large two story building encompassing 6,900 foot surface area which has been made for local general administrative functions by the Dubai Municipality; and is a part of a plan to have 25 percent of all new constructions being made in a similar manner by 2030.
The building was originally designed in Boston, US and was a joint effort with Apis Cor, which is a company that specializes in 3D printing and construction of buildings. Intersetingly, the newly completed structure is not the tallest 3D printed building, that title goes to a five story apartment building in China. However, the area in which the 3D printed building in Dubai wins is the total surface area.
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Similar to conventional construction, the foundation was laid first with concrete mixtures before the 3D printed walls were erected. The construction utilized a fast drying mix of recycled construction debris, cement, and other construction leftovers which also makes this a less environmentally impactful and economical project. In comparison to a traditional building of this size, the materials used are roughly about 50 percent lighter and are said to be considerably more durable in the longer run.
Initially, the construction process used the 3D printer to line the outer walls, making it a few inches thick before the walls reached full height. After this was completed, construction workers took over and started working on the roof and also worked on cutting out spaces for windows whilst filling in the walls with insulating materials.
Notably, Apis Cor claims that an affordable 500 square foot house can be 3D printed in just about 24 hours, which is indicative of the quick pace of its technology. The company is planning on working on such projects in the states of Louisiana and California as well.
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(Via)
