Indian Army Unveils First-Ever 3D Printed Two-Storey Dwelling Unit For Soldiers, Constructed In Just 12 Weeks

The Indian Army inaugurated its first 3D printed dwelling unit for soldiers at Ahmedabad Cantt in Gujarat on Wednesday (28 December).

The dwelling unit, which has a ground plus one configuration, was constructed by the Military Engineering Services (MES) in collaboration with MiCoB Pvt Ltd using the latest 3D rapid construction technology.

The project, which was completed in just 12 weeks, involved the use of a 3D printer to fabricate a concrete structure in a layer-by-layer manner using a specialised type of concrete.

"Construction work of the dwelling unit measuring 71 square metre with garage space was completed in just 12 weeks by utilising the 3D printed foundation, walls and slabs," the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Thursday.

The disaster-resilient structures comply with Zone-3 earthquake specifications and green building norms, the ministry said.

The 3-D printed houses are symbolic of the modern-day rapid construction efforts to cater for growing accommodation requirements of the Armed Forces personnel, it added.

This structure also stands testament to the commitment of Indian Army in fostering the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan', the ministry said.

The technique utilises a concrete 3D printer that accepts a computerised three-dimensional design and fabricates a 3-D structure in a layer-by-layer manner by extruding a specialised type of concrete specifically designed for the purpose.

The Ahmedabad-based Golden Katar Division of the Indian Army has been instrumental in pursuing the project, which has multiple applications in military operations.

The Army has already incorporated 3D printing technology in the construction of pre-casted permanent defenses and overhead protection meant for operations. These structures are currently being tested and will be used in various terrains, including in the Union Territory of Ladakh, the ministry said.