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3D Printed Geopolymer Concrete research activity in Turkey: SMACORT Project

Researchers from the University of Malta recently conducted a highly successful workshop at Hacettepe University, in Ankara Turkey, as part of the ongoing SMACORT (3D manufacturing of sustainable components for building retrofitting and energy efficiency) project, of which the University of Malta is a lead partner. The mission, focused on aligning cutting-edge research in 3D concrete printing with practical industrial applications, further solidifying UM’s role in sustainable construction innovation.

The delegation, which included Prof. Ruben Paul Borg and Engineer Loai Al-Mawed, Research Support Officer II, engaged in intensive laboratory and site work, workshops and and scientific exchange, demonstrating the project's real-world relevance.

The activity included full scale 3D printing activity highlighting high-precision and large-scale applications:

• Robotic Arm Demonstration: robotic arm 3D printing activity of structural and construction elements including detailed inspection of material properties and print quality.
• Industrial Gantry Systems: commercial concrete batching plant and based on large gantry-type 3D printers, supporting the industrial scalability of the technology, including a review of a completed building structure.
• Functional Architecture: fully functional, 3D printed structures that are currently in use, provided compelling evidence of the durability and aesthetic appeal of 3D-printed buildings ready for public occupancy.

The core of the activity was the strategic alignment of the scientific goals. The UM team presented their latest progress, particularly on the development of eco-friendly geopolymer 3D printed mortars based on waste and industrial byproducts, as sustainable alternatives to traditional cement-based 3D printed concrete. The SMACORT project aims to integrate these green materials into 3D printed facades and retrofitting components that significantly improve a building’s thermal insulation and energy performance.

Discussions centred on ensuring that the material science developed in Malta works seamlessly with the large-scale printing mechanisms. By collaborating on this phase, the partners ensure the final product will not only be sustainable but also viable for mass production.

This successful visit underscores the University of Malta’s dedication to collaborative research that addresses the urgent need for sustainable, energy-efficient solutions in the built environment.

Smacort Project is financed through XJENZA Malta, TUBITAK Programme and includes a collaboration between researchers in Concrete and Advanced Materials Engineering, in Malta and Turkey. For further information contact the project Principal Investigator Prof. Ruben Paul Borg, Faculty for the Built Environment, University of Malta.