Robotic construction company Apis Cor has used its technology to build the world’s largest 3D-printed building, a two-story office building in Dubai
The 9.5-meter-high, 640-square-meter structure was built for the Dubai Municipality. The company claims it is the largest 3D-printed building ever built.
Apis Cor developed a gypsum-based material to pass through the printer, which was supplied to local manufacturers.
The printing was carried out outdoors to prove that the technology could work in harsh conditions without humidity and temperature controls.
The Apis Cor 3D printing machine was moved around the site using a repositioning crane so that it could build different parts of the building.
The building is placed on a conventional foundation, and 3D-printed formwork for the columns was reinforced with concrete and rebar.
Precast slabs were used for the floor, and conventional windows and roofs were added by the contractor after the walls were printed.
“The project has given us unique knowledge and invaluable experience that will help us improve our technology and develop a new version of our 3D printer,” said Nikita Shenyuntai, CEO and founder of Apis Co. “This project is a huge step forward in the 3D printing industry.”
In 2020, Apis Cor plans to use its 3D printing machine to build affordable housing in the US states of Florida, Louisiana, and California.
