The UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) is constructing government facilities using 3D-printing technology, including the Court and Prosecution building in the inland town of Al Madam, Sharjah.
The use of this breakthrough technology is a radical turning point in the construction sector with advantages like design flexibility, better creativity, less material waste, lower carbon footprint, more robust structures, speedy completion of projects, and lower construction costs.
Yousef Abdullah, Assistant Undersecretary for the Federal Infrastructure Projects Sector at the MoEI, said that this step is part of the ministry’s efforts to capitalize on the modern technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, especially the use of 3D printing in the implementation of infrastructure projects to support the country’s goal to achieve sustainability with minimum wastage.
He added that the ministry aims to promote the concept of innovation and sustainable development by harnessing smart technology as an advanced method of work to enhance the status of the state and make it a leading centre for implementing infrastructure projects. The additive manufacturing process in future construction of federal buildings will enable to cut down on the overall construction cost by 50% and construction waste by more than 60%, which reflects positively on the economic return of the sector while at the same time helping preserve environmental resources.
Abdullah stated that the use of 3D printing technology in the construction of government buildings is a quantum leap in the field of building and construction, especially its application that involve metal framework, reinforcement, concrete, and bricks. He also stressed that the ministry was keen to use material mixtures available in the country.
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