U.S. Marines 3D Print Concrete Barracks In Just 40 Hours

The United States Marine Corps announced that it just used the world's largest concrete 3D printer to construct a 500-foot barracks. The new printer was tested out at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center in Champaign, Illinois.

The building was constructed in 40 hours, but Captain Matthew Friedell explained that it could be done in just 24 hours once the process is fully automated. During the test, Marines were constantly monitoring the progress and manually filling the printer with concrete, which added to the construction time. 

It would normally take ten marines at least five days to build a similarly sized barracks using traditional construction methods. Along with the extra time and manpower, soldiers who construct buildings in active warzones are at risk of being attacked. 

“In active or simulated combat environments, we don’t want Marines out there swinging hammers and holding plywood up,” said Friedell. “Having a concrete printer that can make buildings on demand is a huge advantage for Marines operating down range.”

Friedell sees the technology being used to help the military provide humanitarian aid following natural disasters. 

“This capability would enable a great partnership with the local community because it is low cost, easy to use, and robotics could print the buildings,” Friedell said. “We can bring forward better structures, houses and forward operating bases with less manpower and fewer Marines in harm’s way.”

Photo: U.S. Marine Corps