Faster construction methods are crucial for Army personnel as they are often sent to places where there are little resources. Recently, Indian Army has inaugurated a 3D Printed house in Ahmedabad using a concrete 3D Printer. A report by SURFACES REPORTER (SR).
Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan
As an effort towards the Indian Army's commitment of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan', the 3D printed houses can be a faster way to accommodate the need of growing requirements of Armed personnel. According to the Indian Army officials, the recently inaugurated dwelling unit is created using a concrete 3D printer that extrudes a specially fabricated concrete for speedy construction. This is the first such unit for Indian soldiers located in Ahmedabad Cant.
3D Printing- the latest construction way
With the ground plus one configuration, the housing unit is constructed by the Military Engineering Services (MES) in collaboration with MiCoB Pvt Ltd incorporating the latest 3D Rapid Construction Technology.
According to the army officials, the construction time for single dwelling unit measuring 71 sqm with garage space is 12 weeks using 3D Printed foundation, walls and slabs.
Ahmedabad-based Golden Katar Division of Indian Army has been instrumental in pursuing the project with manifold applications even in operations.
Indian Army has been experimenting with 3D Printing for quite some time. Earlier it has used the technology to create pre-casted permanent defences and overhead protection meant for operations. The structures are currently in operation in varied terrains including one in Ladakh.