Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has inaugurated its 3D concrete printed instrumented research chamber, a first-of-its-kind, full-scale facility developed entirely within an academic research framework in the UAE. The project is designed to advance scientific understanding of the long-term performance of 3D-printed concrete structures and support the development of smart and sustainable construction technologies.
The inauguration took place at ADU’s Innovation Center (ADUi) and 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab, attended by the university’s senior leadership, faculty members, and representatives from government and industry.
The chamber represents the outcome of four years of research and experimentation and was designed, printed, assembled, and instrumented by ADU’s research team led by Samer Al Martini, Professor of Civil Engineering, and Reem Sabouni, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering. The work was carried out at ADU’s 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab, inaugurated in 2023 to provide advanced facilities for applied construction research.
Unlike previous 3D-printed concrete structures in the UAE—largely industry-led demonstration projects—the ADU chamber was developed as a research-driven platform. It is fully instrumented with advanced sensors and monitoring systems, enabling continuous, real-time assessment of structural behaviour under environmental and operational loads.
Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said the project reflects ADU’s commitment to applied research that delivers real-world impact and supports national priorities in sustainable infrastructure and smart construction.
A key innovation of the project is the use of research-developed concrete mixes formulated in-house using locally sourced UAE materials, supported by internationally published research. The chamber also applies modular construction principles, enhancing scalability, quality control, and repeatability for future large-scale deployment.
Beyond research, the facility will play a central role in experiential learning, giving civil engineering students hands-on exposure to advanced construction technologies, materials development, and structural monitoring, in line with ADU’s focus on preparing future-ready engineering graduates.