A group of Pakistani students from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in Islamabad has embarked on a groundbreaking mission to revolutionize the construction industry by developing Pakistan’s first 3D concrete printer. The visionary team, comprising Raja Dilawar Riaz, Ammar Ali, Usama Majid, and Muhammad Faizan, all 23-year-old civil engineering students graduating in 2023, aims to address the pressing need for affordable and efficient housing solutions while transforming the way structures are built in the country.
Under the guidance of their advisor, Dr. Mohammad Usman, and co-advisor, Dr. Jawad Aslam, the students have successfully completed their project and achieved significant milestones. In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Raja Dilawar Riaz, the team leader, expressed that their motivation behind developing the 3D concrete printer stems from Pakistan’s severe housing crisis, intensified by rapid urbanization and natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods. They consider it their ethical duty as engineers and researchers to find a solution to this crisis.
Integrating 3D printing technology in the construction industry offers numerous advantages. Usama Majid explained that it reduces labor requirements and construction time through automation. Their printer prototype has already demonstrated nearly 50% savings in labor costs compared to traditional construction methods. Additionally, 3D printing allows for design flexibility and customization, enabling architects to create intricate and aesthetic structures while minimizing material wastage and environmental impact. By streamlining the construction process, 3D printing can significantly lower the overall costs of building homes, making them more affordable and accessible to a larger population.
In Pakistan, where there is a significant demand for affordable housing, 3D printing presents a viable solution. The team believes that this technology can bridge the gap between the increasing demand for housing and the limited availability of affordable options. With an estimated housing deficit of 20 million units by 2025, 3D printing holds promise in addressing the critical challenge of affordable housing in the country.
The 3D concrete printer developed by the team functions by layering concrete material in a controlled manner based on a digital model, gradually constructing the desired structure. This innovative technology has the potential to transform the construction industry by enabling faster, more efficient, and customizable production of concrete structures.
Notably, the team’s printer offers sustainability advantages by reducing formwork usage, minimizing concrete wastage, and lowering environmental impact. The printer utilizes locally available materials, making sustainable construction more accessible and affordable. The students continue to research and develop the printer to increase efficiency and achieve lightweight, sustainable, and cost-effective outcomes in the future.
In comparison to traditional construction methods, the 3D concrete printer provides substantial cost savings. Mohammad Faizan highlighted that developing the printer locally has resulted in significant cost reductions compared to imported alternatives. It optimizes material usage, reduces waste, and minimizes labor requirements. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for expensive formwork and molds, making it more cost-effective while maintaining superior quality and design flexibility.
The global 3D concrete printing market is projected to reach a value of US$40 billion by 2028, with the construction sector being the largest end-user. Implementing 3D concrete printing can lead to significant cost savings, including reductions of up to 50% in labor costs and up to 30% in material waste.
Throughout the development process, the students faced challenges, including initial resistance and limited access to comprehensive design information. However, their determination, patience, and belief helped them overcome these obstacles. The team has successfully validated the design concept through extensive testing, experimentation, and obtaining a patent for their innovative extruder design.
Looking ahead, the team plans to secure funding for larger-scale printers and collaborate with various institutions. They have already received seed funding from the Federal Ministry of Housing, Development, and Special Initiatives under the Pakistan Innovation Fund (PIF) program. The response to their project has been overwhelmingly positive, generating viral coverage on mainstream and social media platforms. They aim to collaborate with industry partners, the government, and other institutions to further advance 3D printing in the construction industry in Pakistan.
Reflecting on the future of 3D printing in Pakistan’s construction industry, Dr. Jawad Aslam emphasized its tremendous potential for transformative change. The ability to create complex structures with speed, precision, and cost-effectiveness can drive economic growth, promote sustainability, and unlock new possibilities for infrastructure development across the country. With locally developed 3D printers, the construction industry in Pakistan can benefit from reduced costs, enhanced sustainability, and improved efficiency.