Printing on the Skyline
Dubai-based construction technologies firm, Cazza, has announced plans to build the world’s first 3D printed skyscraper. Cazza is known for producing a 3D printing construction system that combines the use of mobile 3D printing robots with existing construction methods to make construction processes faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
CEO of Cazza, Chris Kelsey, said: “Through our technologies, we will be able to build architecturally complex buildings at never-before seen speeds. It is all about economies of scale where the initial high technology costs will reduce as we enter the mass-production phase”.
The firm will be able to 3D print high rises using a new construction technique called ‘crane printing’.
Cazza will use cranes with added units that are specifically created for building 3D printed structures 80m and above.
Cazza’s crane printing process includes all major structural components required for tall buildings, including reinforcement with steel rebar.
The cranes will 3D print specific parts of buildings, with the rest of construction undertaken through existing methods.
Fernando De Los Rios, chief operating officer at Cazza, added: “The crane printing system can be easily adopted with existing cranes which means we don’t have to build cranes from scratch.
“We are adding new features to make it adaptable to high wind speeds along with the use of our layer smoothing system that creates completely flat surfaces. You won’t know its 3D printed.
Xavier Hernand, mechanical engineer at Cazza, said: “The material side leaves vast possibilities with concrete and steel being just one of many materials that can be used with 3D printing.”
Kelsey told Construction Week Online that the first 3D printed high rise will be constructed in the UAE, although the height of the structure and commencement of work were not revealed.
In December, the Dubai Government announced collaboration with Cazza to aid in 3D printing in the country.
Construction Week Online