The U.S. Army has revealed new 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, after a year-long pilot program. The barracks, which house 72 soldiers each, are the largest 3D-printed structures in the Western Hemisphere. The U.S. Army's use of 3D printing marks a major step forward in military construction and opens possibilities for the future use of this technology. The army could reduce construction costs, speed up deployment, and enhance the durability of infrastructure in both domestic and combat settings if 3D printing is used more widely.
Constructed using mold-resistant materials, the barracks were unveiled at Fort Bliss, Texas, on January 30. It is engineered to withstand various environmental challenges, including severe weather and seismic activity. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Defense and ICON, an Austin-based construction technology firm. ICON used a large gantry-style 3D printer to make the buildings out of a Lavacrete material. This initiative is part of the U.S. Army's Defense Innovation Unit.
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https://www.newsweek.com/us-army-texas-3d-printed-barracks-2025736