Dubai-based construction technologies firm, Cazza, has announced plans to build the world’s first 3D printed skyscraper. The firm will be able to 3D print high rise towers using a new construction technique called ‘crane printing’, according to Construction Week Online.
Cazza will use cranes with added units that are specifically created for building 3D printed structures 80m and above.
CEO of Cazza, Chris Kelsey, told Construction Week: “When we first thought of implementing 3D printing technologies, we were mostly thinking of houses and low-rise buildings. “Developers kept asking us if it was possible to build a 3D printed skyscraper. This led us to begin researching how we could adapt the technologies for taller structures. “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,” he added.
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.”
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.
