3D Construction Arrives in Ireland

Louth County Council has begun using 3D printing technology for the construction of a new social housing development in Dundalk.

The council said the Grange Close pilot project is the first of its kind in Ireland.

The project is using 3D Construction Printed (3DCP) technology which involves using large-scale 3D printers on-site to create three-dimensional structures layer by layer.

In the process, layers of Ready-Mix Concrete are sequentially deposited through a gantry-based 3DCP machine according to a digital model.

The result is the creation of a housing superstructure at a rate which is up to three times faster than traditional methods.

The project aims to use 3D construction printing technology to provide three three-bedroom terraced units that will have a floor area of around 110 m² over two floors.

“The provision of high quality and sustainable social housing is a core objective of Louth County Council, and this project is a significant example of the use of innovative technologies and organisational collaboration in the delivery of new homes,” said Joan Martin, chief executive at Louth County Council.

The Grange Close pilot project involves a collaboration between Louth County Council, Louth & Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB), Irish-owned company Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), and Roadstone Ltd, a CRH company.

“The transformative potential of this technology is very exciting, offering a viable solution to help address our housing challenges,” said Justin Kinsella, MD and co-founder of HTL.tech.

Roadstone described the approach as an efficient and high-tech modern method of construction.

“Integrating new technology and traditional building materials offers a new era of efficiency and carbon reduction – working towards a sustainable future,” said Patrick Diviney, Roadstone, Commercial Manager.

Scource: RTE NEWS