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GUtech, a German University of Technology, Oman that pioneered 3D printing in construction, printed 3 buildings in Duqm. It is located 540km from Oman’s capital, which is where GU Tech can be found. This feat of 3D printing on location was unprecedented. It was completed in just eight days.
Dr. Yousuf Al Bulushi, GUtech said: “GUtech has introduced the 3D concrete printing in the sultanate of Oman and shows how we could adopt the newest construction technology and employ it so we can get the most out of it. 3D construction printing has been proven with Duqm’s record speed printing. We have a huge faith in our Omani expert team, and we are aiming to achieve beyond expected”
A 3D-printed commercial coffee shop was the first to be printed using 3D printing technology. It had a total floor area of 81m2. Printing took 22 hours. The GU Tech Team managed to complete construction in just three days. It measures in at 3,7m (12ft). Materials consumption totaled 19,6 m3 of concrete made from 99% locally available raw materials and COBOD’s Dfab solution was developed in cooperation with Cemex.
A public toilet of total 20m2 (or 215 SF) is the second building. It took 13 hours to print the entire document, which was divided into two separate days. It measures 3,5m (10 feet in height) and 10.6m3 concrete was used for its construction.
The last 3D printed building is a Fisherman’s house with an area of 72 m2 (775 SF). GUtech specialists only needed 19 hours to print the structure, which was then divided into two days. It is 3m high (11 feet). To make it, 17,3 m3 concrete was used.
Teejan as the general contractor was responsible for 3D printing all of the buildings. These buildings were printed using locally available materials as well as the Dfab solution from CEMEX and COBOD, making it feasible to print concrete at very affordable prices with local materials. Concrete for all three buildings cost just 3,600 dollars. Each building has load bearing walls that are free from columns and roof slabs, as well as parapets 3D printed by the manufacturer.
A new area of development, Duqm is similar to NEOM Saudi Arabia. This includes a multipurpose harbor, a dry port for ship repairs, a fishing dock, and areas that are tourist-, industrial, and logistical.
Duqm authorities granted permits and approved 3D printer construction. Zaid Marmash, head architect and responsible for the Middle East at COBOD said: “I am proud to have co-designed the buildings 3D printed by GUtech and approved in Duqm. These buildings reflect the futuristic, aspirational character of Duqm by using curves and other unconventional forms. 3D concrete printing, as well as Duqm, are both very promising, and GUtech is providing the proof that the promises are being realized.”