Four-way agreement to see 3D Vinci Creations delivering a printer for the research centre at American University of Dubai
UAE building giant Arabtec Construction and Robert Bird Group have joined local firm 3D Vinci Creations to support the establishment of a 3D concrete printing centre within the campus of American University in Dubai (AUD).
A cooperation agreement was announced to have been signed between all four entities earlier this week, with the centre being developed to “create a consortium of academic, industry, and government entities” that will spur the building technology’s growth in the GCC and Mena regions.
AUD will work with local officials to promote a culture of 3D printing in the construction sector, with the centre also set to serve members of the university’s Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, in addition to researchers from Arabtec, Robert Bird, and 3D Vinci Creations, the latter of which will also provide a 3D printer for the hub.
Future plans for the centre include the development and delivery of training workshops and seminars on 3D concrete printing for local and regional audiences.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr Imad Hoballah, provost and chief academic officer at AUD, said the centre would be the first in the Middle East to implement research in the 3D concrete printing field.
3D Vinci Creations’ chief executive officer, Edouard Baaklini, added in a company statement: “With this cooperation agreement, we aim to perform strategic analyses of the present and future capabilities of 3D concrete printing and digitally driven construction systems.
“The centre will work with local regulatory bodies to develop newly updated building codes that pertain to 3D-printed buildings and structures. We will also develop cost models of 3D-printed concrete buildings and structures, together with tools for value analysis vis-à-vis traditional construction methodologies.”