Underwater 3DCP
Project Overview
University
Year
About
Repairing seawalls, bridge foundations and other marine structures often requires costly formwork, pumping equipment and hazardous work by divers. This project develops a robotic 3D printing system that deposits specially formulated concrete which remains stable underwater. Tests at different depths examine how water pressure, nozzle speed and material flow affect shape, strength and bonding between layers. By identifying suitable settings for each environment, the technology could enable safer, faster and less wasteful repairs, as well as customised coastal structures and underwater habitats.
Team
Hao Zhang
Hao Zhang is a PhD candidate in Civil Engineering at the National University of Singapore, specializing in underwater 3D concrete printing and digital construction. His research combines experimental investigation, numerical modelling, and machine learning to develop safer, more efficient, and sustainable construction solutions for challenging marine environments. His work on underwater 3D printing has been published in *Cement and Concrete Composites*, and his related research project received the 1st Runner-Up Prize in the Impact Accelerator Challenge at CDE Innovation Day.