The largest printed structure in the west will serve the US Army

Many months ago, we could see the interest in 3D printing of the US army and it is hardly surprising, because this technology can even impress with its speed and efficiency. Thus, the transfer of technology from the consumer market will go to the military one (and not the other way around, as is usually the case), which over time may lead to a revolution in 3D printing in construction, because the latest efforts in this direction will result in the creation of the largest printed structure … at least in the western hemisphere of our planet.

The three new barracks for American soldiers will be record-breaking in this part of the world

The project will be implemented in Fort Bliss, Texas, and will include the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), the US Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) and the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). “Building” will involve using Icon’s Vulcan 3D printers for a Logan Architecture project that includes three barracks ~ 530 square meters each.

This is to make each of the barracks the largest 3D-printed object in the Western Hemisphere, as overall record-breakers in this segment are the 640-square-meter administration building in Dubai. The entire process will first involve extruding a cement-like Lavacrete mixture from a printer nozzle at up to 12-25 cm per second in layers to build the basic structure of the building.

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Then people will enter the game and add doors, roofs, windows, electrical and plumbing to the printed walls. After all, 72 soldiers will be able to stay in each of the barracks. This project is further evidence that the US military is starting to take 3D printed architecture seriously, and while it is not yet known when the barracks are to be completed, construction is already underway.