Concrete: From Roman to 3D Printing

Catalog description

Concrete is the most consumed material on Earth after water, yet it is also a major contributor to global CO2 emissions. Despite modern advancements in cement and concrete technologies, the remarkable durability of ancient Roman concrete - used in structures like the Pantheon and Colosseum, which have lasted millennia - continues to outperform today's material. Can lessons from Roman concrete help us balance durability with the urgent need for sustainability in modern construction, including innovations like 3D concrete printing? Through field visits to cement and prefabricated concrete factories in Abu Dhabi, along with hands-on experience in 3D concrete printing, students will examine the engineering, environmental, and economic implications of concrete production. They will also explore contemporary efforts to create more sustainable alternatives, including the use of recycled materials, low-carbon binders, and bio-based solutions. For their final projects, students will design and print concrete prototypes and will be asked to demonstrate how this technology can accelerate construction and reduce waste and carbon footprint of concrete structures. This course will be offered in January-Term 2026.