US Army Revolutionizes Military Infrastructure With 3D Printed Barracks
The Fort Bliss Army base in El Paso, Texas is at the forefront of a pioneering initiative aimed at revolutionizing military infrastructure through innovative 3D printing technology. Led by Army Sgt. Maj. Michael Perry, the installation is set to introduce cutting-edge 3D printed barracks on base. Thus, marking a significant leap forward in improving soldiers’ living conditions while reaffirming the Army’s commitment to sustainable construction practices.
Each barracks, which can house up to 72 soldiers, is hoped to provide a transformative, more hygienic living experience from traditional barracks. To do this, they were constructed with mold-resistant materials and incorporated energy-efficient designs. Indeed, the core of the construction of this project is to enhance soldier comfort and well-being.
Photo Credits: Logan Architecture
What Can We Expect From the 3D Printed Barracks?
We have already told you about this project. Approved by the Department of Defense in 2022, this initiative, scheduled for completion this summer, signifies a paradigm shift in military housing toward sustainability. Embracing the capabilities of 3D printing technology, Fort Bliss aims to address longstanding challenges while setting a new standard for construction efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
Through this collaborative project with ICON, a leading 3D printing construction company based in Austin, Texas, the barracks will be built with resilience and sustainability in mind. These 3D printed structures, made with ICON’s high-strength concrete “Lavacrete,” stand out for their exceptional durability, weather resistance, and energy efficiency. When compared to traditional methods, 3D printing technology offers significant advantages in speed and cost-effectiveness, making it a strong contender for the future of both military and civilian housing developments. Speaking on the use of this technology, Lt. Gen. Doug Gabram explained, “Constructing facilities using this cutting-edge technology saves labor costs, reduces planning time, and increases the speed of construction of future facilities.”
The barracks will offer soldiers a safe, comfortable, and clean living and training environment by incorporating mold-resistant materials into the build. This follows a proactive measure taken by the Army last year, where thousands of soldiers underwent training to recognize and identify mold within numerous buildings across their bases after inspections revealed over 2,100 mold-infested buildings, highlighting the critical need for hygienic improvements. Notably, Fort Bliss’s adoption of 3D printing technology aligns with the Department of Defense’s updated Unified Facilities Criteria, allowing the new structures to be implemented quickly.
Photo Credits: US Army
Beyond its immediate impact on quality of life, this initiative holds promise for future construction in the Army, and likely outward to the other branches of service. As they constitute the largest 3D printed structures in the Western Hemisphere, the implementation of these barracks aims to serve as a symbol of innovation within the military, paving the way for broader adoptions of technology for future military and civilian housing projects. You can learn more about this project by clicking here.
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*Cover Photo Credits: US Army
