Qatar has officially launched the world’s largest 3D printed construction project, starting with building schools projects across the country. The initiative is being led by UCC Holding in partnership with Ashghal (Public Works Authority), marking a significant step toward faster, more sustainable construction delivery. The first phase, already underway, includes the use of 3D concrete printing technology to build school buildings with reduced environmental impact and accelerated timelines.
The collaboration between UCC and Ashghal reflects a broader national direction toward modernizing construction methods, in line with Qatar’s sustainability and innovation goals. However, this technological shift also brings new challenges that extend beyond engineering—particularly in how contracts, commercial frameworks, and risk management are structured and administered.
Emerging Risks and Shifts in Project Controls
While 3D concrete printing offers clear advantages in speed, labor efficiency, and environmental performance, it introduces a range of contractual and commercial implications that require close attention from project owners, contractors, and consultants alike.
Key areas of impact include:
- Contract Risk Allocation: Traditional construction contracts—particularly standard FIDIC forms—may not adequately allocate responsibilities involving machine-led construction, material calibration, and integration of digital models. The role of technology suppliers and equipment vendors shall be clearly defined.
- Delay and Disruption Claims: With drastically reduced construction times, the way progress is measured and delays are evaluated will need adjustment. The use of automated systems may alter critical path assumptions and impact extension-of-time assessments.
- Procurement Models: The shift from labor-intensive execution to equipment-based delivery changes the nature of procurement. Contracts will need to address warranties, performance testing of machines, proprietary software, and supplier coordination.
- Quality Assurance and Liability: Responsibility for defects or failures may become more complex, especially when construction is dependent on equipment accuracy, mix design automation, and machine programming.
- Health, Safety, and Compliance: Regulatory bodies may introduce new codes or modify inspection regimes to govern automated building practices, requiring updates to compliance procedures and related contract clauses.
These considerations are not future projections—they are already relevant, as early-stage 3D printed buildings are being constructed. Without clear frameworks, disputes or inefficiencies may arise, even in otherwise successful projects.
At VersaMinds, we work with clients to ensure that their contractual and commercial strategies align with modern construction practices. Our experience in contracts, claims, procurement, and commercial risk management allows us to provide practical, forward-looking support when traditional models no longer fully apply.