Date of Defense
18-11-2024 10:00 AM
Location
F1-1117
Document Type
Thesis Defense
Degree Name
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
College
COE
Department
Architectural Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Lindita Bande
Keywords
3D printing, UAEU offices, evaluation, construction, materials
Abstract
In line with the forward-looking vision of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), this research evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of 3D printing technology compared to traditional construction methods, focusing on cost, time, and energy efficiency for a new low-rise office building on the UAEU campus. With the growing number of PhD students in the Architectural Engineering Department, expanding office space has become a priority. This study explores how 3D printing technology, known for its sustainability, reduced material waste, and accelerated construction, can address these challenges more efficiently than conventional methods.Guided by the UAE Vision 2030, which promotes innovation and sustainable development, this research highlights the potential of 3D printing to create affordable, eco-friendly, and flexible office spaces. The methodology follows four key steps: (1) designing the office building to align with the environmental and site-specific conditions of the UAEU campus, (2) selecting appropriate materials through a decision matrix framework for both 3D printing and conventional construction, (3) calculating the energy requirements of the building using advanced tools such as Ladybug, OpenStudio, and Rhino Grasshopper, and (4) conducting a literature review and collecting data from consulting firms to compare construction timelines and costs between the two methods.The results demonstrate that 3D printing technology offers several advantages over traditional construction, including shorter project timelines, lower costs, and improved energy efficiency, while minimizing material waste. This study concludes that 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry, providing a sustainable and effective solution for office infrastructure development. The findings contribute valuable insights into the practical application of innovative technologies on the UAEU campus and offer a blueprint for the future evolution of eco-friendly office spaces across the UAE and beyond.
Included in
EVALUATING THE FEASIBILITY AND EFFICACY OF 3D PRINTING VERSUS TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES: A STUDY OF COST, TIME AND ENERGY OF A NEW LOWRISE OFFICE BUILDING ON THE UAEU CAMPUS
F1-1117
In line with the forward-looking vision of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), this research evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of 3D printing technology compared to traditional construction methods, focusing on cost, time, and energy efficiency for a new low-rise office building on the UAEU campus. With the growing number of PhD students in the Architectural Engineering Department, expanding office space has become a priority. This study explores how 3D printing technology, known for its sustainability, reduced material waste, and accelerated construction, can address these challenges more efficiently than conventional methods.Guided by the UAE Vision 2030, which promotes innovation and sustainable development, this research highlights the potential of 3D printing to create affordable, eco-friendly, and flexible office spaces. The methodology follows four key steps: (1) designing the office building to align with the environmental and site-specific conditions of the UAEU campus, (2) selecting appropriate materials through a decision matrix framework for both 3D printing and conventional construction, (3) calculating the energy requirements of the building using advanced tools such as Ladybug, OpenStudio, and Rhino Grasshopper, and (4) conducting a literature review and collecting data from consulting firms to compare construction timelines and costs between the two methods.The results demonstrate that 3D printing technology offers several advantages over traditional construction, including shorter project timelines, lower costs, and improved energy efficiency, while minimizing material waste. This study concludes that 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry, providing a sustainable and effective solution for office infrastructure development. The findings contribute valuable insights into the practical application of innovative technologies on the UAEU campus and offer a blueprint for the future evolution of eco-friendly office spaces across the UAE and beyond.