NUS tests structural 3D concrete printing for on-site construction

Project reports 50% manhour reduction in a Singapore trial and explores lower-carbon mixes.

Researchers at the National University of Singapore demonstrated that 3D concrete printing can be used to fabricate structural building components, in collaboration with construction firm Woh Hup and supported by the Building and Construction Authority and the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster.

The researchers said laboratory and large-scale tests showed reinforced 3D-printed elements could meet load-bearing requirements whilst using significantly less material than conventional designs.

Industry evaluations indicated more than 40% manpower savings and efficiency gains of over 60% for complex components.

They estimated the approach could use about 30% less material than conventional construction technologies by removing the need for traditional moulds.

In August 2025, the collaboration carried out Singapore’s first on-site 3D concrete printing of structural elements, verified by BCA, and reported a 50% reduction in manhours.

A second on-site printing exercise began on 29 January 2026.

Separately, the researchers developed a 3D-printable concrete mix that replaces 60% of ordinary Portland cement with recycled waste glass powder whilst retaining printability and structural performance.

Laboratory tests cited in the release reported compressive strengths exceeding 50 megapascals and reductions of 44% in embodied energy and 52% in carbon dioxide emissions compared with conventional printable concrete.

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