Qatar has built the world's tallest freestanding 3D-printed concrete tower.
The innovative structure comprises 85 individually printed concrete blocks with a height of 12.4 meters.
The project showcases the potential of 3D printing in construction, providing valuable insights for future projects.
Qatar's Innovation Project: The World's Tallest 3D-Printed Concrete Tower
As part of the Doha Expo 2023, Qatar has set a new world record with the construction of the tallest freestanding 3D-printed concrete tower in the world. Standing at an impressive 12.4 meters, this tower represents a significant milestone in 3D printing technology.
The initiative was driven by the Qatari Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, which sought to make a distinctive statement for its pavilion at the expo. The project was entrusted to the construction company KPM3, which collaborated with Dutch companies Saint-Gobain Weber Benelux and Witteveen+Bos to bring this ambitious project to life.
The project schedule was extremely tight. The entire process, from the initial design to the finished product, was completed in just two months. A major logistical challenge was transporting all the construction elements by ship from the Netherlands to Qatar. Intensive collaboration enabled the team to achieve a rapid and efficient project execution.
The tower features an interrupted circular structure and a characteristic 30-degree inclination, making it an eye-catching example of futuristic design. A total of 85 unique concrete blocks were used, each individually printed. The 3D printing process allowed for material to be used only where necessary for structural strength, resulting in hollow blocks that are both lightweight and strong.
Marijn Bruurs, a 3D concrete printing expert at Witteveen+Bos, emphasized the value of the project: "We were able to apply techniques that can be widely used in housing construction. The 30-degree inclination and interrupted circle design significantly expand the structural and architectural possibilities of 3D concrete printing."
Peter Paul Cornelissen, Business Unit Manager 3D Printing at Weber Benelux, added: "A project like this is ideally suited for 3D printing with concrete. This has everything to do with the extremely short lead time, the number of unique shapes, and the structural properties of the material used. Our unique Quality Framework guarantees the required quality with short lead times and large volumes, which is essential for any structural construction."
