Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Construction is leveraging 3D printing technology to slash construction timelines by up to 50 per cent, according to MV Satish, Executive Committee Member and Advisor to the Chairman and Managing Director (Buildings and Factories).
The building division of the infrastructure behemoth is is close to completing the construction of India’s first 3D concrete- printed luxury villas in Bengaluru for Prestige Group. The six villas sprawling over 4,000 sq ft each is part of the group’s upcoming project iv Varthur. The 3D printing project reportedely commenced in January and likely to be completed by August.
Last year, L&T completed India’s first 3D-printed post office in Bengaluru for Rs 23 lakh. The project, sprawling over 1,100 sq ft, was completely 3D concrete-printed in 45 days.
The 3D printing technology involves the use of a robotic concrete printer to create structures from computer-aided designs (CAD), eliminating the need for traditional formwork. This enables the creation of complex designs with precision and efficiency based on digital models.
Currently, the technology is limited to low-rise buildings and villas rather than high-rise apartments. L&T has received certification from both the Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council (BMTPC) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for using 3D printing in G+3 buildings, though the available printers only support construction up to G+2 levels.
Although 3D printing in construction is still in its infancy in India, Satish noted that it has been certified by BMTPC.
L&T has successfully completed seven projects using this cutting-edge technology, encompassing a built-up area of approximately 1.13 lakh square feet. Among these projects is a 50,000 square foot building for the Ministry of Defence in Chandigarh, Satish stated.
Looking ahead, L&T aims to further develop this technology to accommodate G+7 storey projects, with plans to expand its use in the affordable housing sector.