Abu Dhabi University opens UAE’s first fully instrumented 3D concrete research facility (VIDEO)
New lab designed to monitor structural behaviour under real environmental conditions
ABU DHABI – The Abu Dhabi University has inaugurated a research-driven 3D concrete printed instrumented research chamber, marking a first-of-its-kind full-scale facility developed entirely within an academic institution in the UAE.
The chamber has been designed to advance scientific understanding of how 3D-printed concrete structures perform over time, with a strong focus on sustainability, durability and smart construction practices. University officials say the project positions ADU at the forefront of applied research in next-generation building technologies.
The inauguration ceremony was held at Abu Dhabi University’s Innovation Center and the 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab, with the presence of the Chancellor, senior academic leadership, faculty members, and representatives from government and industry. The launch underscores the university’s broader strategy to align research activity with national priorities in sustainable infrastructure and advanced engineering.
What makes it unique?
The research chamber represents the culmination of four years of continuous research and experimentation. It was fully designed, 3D-printed, assembled and instrumented by ADU’s research team, led by Professor Samer Al Martini, Professor of Civil Engineering, and Dr Reem Sabouni, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at the College of Engineering. Development took place at the university’s 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab, inaugurated in 2023, which provides advanced printing technologies and hands-on research opportunities for both faculty and students.
تُسلّط الدكتورة ريم صابوني من كلية الهندسة في جامعة أبوظبي الضوء على حجرة الأبحاث الخرسانية المطبوعة بتقنية ثلاثية الأبعاد، موضحةً التكامل بين تقنيات البناء المتقدمة، والمواد المحلية، والخبرات البحثية الداخلية لتعزيز البناء المستدام ودفعه نحو آفاق جديدة. وقد صُمِّمت هذه المنشأة… pic.twitter.com/Xb0WBQU0uZ
— Abu Dhabi University (@abudhabiuni) January 17, 2026
Unlike previous 3D-printed concrete structures in the UAE, which have largely been industry-led demonstration projects showcasing constructability or architectural design, the ADU chamber has been developed entirely within a university-led research framework. The facility has been conceived as an integrated platform to study long-term structural performance under real environmental and operational loading conditions.
How will it be used?
The chamber is fully instrumented with advanced sensors and monitoring systems that allow continuous, real-time assessment of structural behaviour. Researchers will collect long-term data on material performance, deformation, durability and response to environmental factors. This data is expected to support evidence-based advancements in building performance, materials science and sustainable construction methods.
Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said the inauguration reflects ADU’s commitment to applied innovation with real-world impact. He noted that the UAE provides an enabling environment for universities to experiment and push engineering boundaries, adding that the chamber strengthens ADU’s contribution to national goals in smart construction and future-ready infrastructure.
Professor Samer Al Martini said the facility enables long-term, data-driven research that helps move 3D concrete printing towards scalable and informed applications. He highlighted the importance of understanding how such structures behave over extended periods in real conditions.
What materials were used?
A defining element of the project is the use of research-developed concrete mixes formulated in-house by the ADU team. These mixes use locally sourced UAE materials and are supported by published research outcomes, including internationally recognised US publications. The work contributes original scientific knowledge to the rapidly evolving field of 3D concrete printing.
Dr Reem Sabouni explained that the project applies modular construction principles, with all wall elements fully 3D-printed and assembled as an integrated modular system. She said this approach improves scalability, transportability, quality control and repeatability, which are essential for future large-scale deployment and sustainable infrastructure.
Beyond research, the facility also enhances experiential learning for civil engineering students, offering direct exposure to advanced construction technologies, materials development and structural monitoring within a real-world research environment.