Construction beyond our imagination

Thus, the possibilities of construction by 3D printing were outlined by Dott. Arch. Andrea Palazzo from Italy and a member of the Czech Chamber of Graduate Engineers and Technicians in the field of building construction Miroslav Vrana from the Czech Republic, who arrived in Ivano-Frankivsk and, with the assistance of the director of the KZPE "Centre for Educational Innovations" Maria Pochinok, met with scientists from the Institute of Architecture, Construction and Energy and the Institute of Engineering Mechanics Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas within the framework of the 3D printing 3DHCC project for the preparation and renewal of Ukraine in the field of investment, innovative education, research and development in Ukraine and the EU.

«It is important for us to realize that today there is so much attention to Ukraine related to its reconstruction, to the new technologies in construction that exist progressive, reliable and functional, - said Igor Chudyk, rector of IFNTUOG, introducing the guests. – This technology is already used in many countries, the first swallow is already in Ukraine. We hope that such technologies will work in full with us force, and today's meeting will become a platform for developments for the project of possible cooperation."

The main message conveyed to the audience by foreign experts is the shortcomings of using outdated construction technologies, which are still very dependent on hard physical labour, professional training, integrity and thoroughness of human resources. New 3D printing technologies can radically change everything. Today, even with the use of robotics and advanced IT technologies in various industries, the report that the house can simply be "printed", you see, sounds like from the realm of fantasy. But such houses already really exist in Germany, UAE, USA and even in Ukraine – an elementary school in Lviv. And those present even held a piece of "printed" concrete in their hands. Moreover, Andrea Palazzo and Miroslav Vrana convince that construction innovation will save time and cost of building materials, but at the same time guarantee strength and environmental friendliness in the operation of the building, that it is not only qualitative, but also profitable. And yet – this is the ability to realize any architectural forms, even those that are limited by our imagination.

Foreign specialists who have been helping us since the first days of the war are ready today to invest their knowledge, experience and funds in Ukraine. And they offer us invaluable experience in 3D construction.

In cooperation with IFNTUOG, project representatives seek to find support in research and development to improve technological processes, as 3D printing in construction is still developing. On the agenda for the development of construction innovation are still seismic challenges, the development of new mixes for printing, the height of buildings – while these are low (one-, two-story) houses. It should be noted that IFNTUOG was not chosen for cooperation by chance, the university is ready for such cooperation: there are relevant specialties and specialists who will quickly master this experience and will be able to move forward both in innovation and education.

The guests visited the Centre for Innovative Development, got acquainted and evaluated the possibilities of our university regarding 3D printing. At the invitation of IABE Director Myroslav Mazur, Andrea Palazzo and Miroslav Vrana visited the laboratory of the Department of Construction and Energy Efficient Structures of IABE.

The visit of foreign experts gives reason to hope for mutually beneficial cooperation.