Abu Dhabi University has launched a full-scale 3D concrete printed research chamber, described by the university as the first facility of its kind in the UAE to be developed entirely within an academic research setting.
The chamber, located at the university’s Innovation Center and 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab, is designed to study how 3D-printed concrete structures perform over long periods under environmental and operational conditions. The facility is fully instrumented with sensors that allow continuous, real-time monitoring of structural behavior.
The opening ceremony was attended by the university’s chancellor, senior academic leaders, faculty members and representatives from government and industry.
The project is the result of four years of research and experimentation by Abu Dhabi University’s engineering team. The structure was designed, printed, assembled and equipped on campus by researchers led by Professor Samer Al Martini and Dr Reem Sabouni from the College of Engineering. Development took place at the university’s 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab, which was established in 2023 to support advanced research and hands-on training.
While several 3D-printed concrete structures have been built in the UAE as industry-led demonstration projects, the university said this chamber differs in its purpose. It was created as a research platform to examine long-term structural performance rather than construction speed or architectural design.
The chamber uses concrete mixes developed in-house by the research team using locally sourced materials. The formulations are based on published research, including studies appearing in international journals.
According to the university, the project also applies modular construction principles, with all wall elements fully 3D-printed and assembled into a single system. Researchers say this approach supports quality control, repeatability and scalability for future applications.
In addition to research, the facility will be used for teaching, giving civil engineering students direct exposure to advanced construction methods, materials testing and structural monitoring in real-world conditions.