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Technical WorkUse Case: 3D concrete printing of ballistic walls, anti-intrusion barriers, and shelters for the Armed Forces
The Armed Forces face constant challenges in the rapid and efficient construction of protective infrastructures in the field. Traditional solutions are often slow, costly, and require complex logistics. 3D concrete printing emerges as an innovative response to these issues, offering significant strategic and operational advantages.
Published on 4 July 2024, 3 min to read
Written by Jessica Maciejewski
The Interest of 3D Concrete Printing for the Armed Forces:
The construction of structures using 3D concrete printing offers several advantages for the military. These innovative topics are managed in France by the Centre d'Expertise et de Technologie de l'Infrastructure de la Défense (CETID) and the Service d'Infrastructure de la Défense (SID). This technology enables the rapid and customized construction of defense structures directly on the field, which is crucial in crisis situations or conflict zones.
3D printing reduces reliance on prefabricated materials and supply chains, which are often vulnerable during wartime. This method is more economical and environmentally friendly, utilizing local materials and reducing waste. 3D printed structures can be reinforced to meet ballistic protection requirements, offering increased resilience against attacks.
Presentation of Constructions-3D Innovations: Protection and Security Solutions
Double Ballistic Wall
The double ballistic wall is designed to offer exceptional resistance to ballistic impacts. Measuring 570 mm in width, 1970 mm in height, and 1100 mm in depth, and made with Sika 733-3D material, this wall incorporates two types of cavities: a large one for sand or reinforced concrete, and a honeycomb structure to create different layers of concrete, thereby distributing the energy of bullets.
Single Ballistic Wall
Measuring 480 mm in width (l1: 1510 mm, l2: 1900 mm) and 1100 mm in depth, this wall also uses Sika 733-3D and a honeycomb design to distribute the energy of ballistic impacts across multiple layers of concrete.
Anti-Intrusion Block
This security block, designed for mass production, measures 1000 mm in depth and can be produced in just 40 minutes per unit. The dimensions of a Jersey barrier have been perfectly adhered to, meeting the standardization requirements of these blocks. This demonstrates the capability of the MiniPrinter PRO to produce both customized elements and standardized elements in series.
Armed Forces Shelter
This massive 5-ton structure, printed in just a few hours, measures 2 m x 4 m x 4 m and is constructed with Sika 733-3D. Its design is inspired by the golden ratio, featuring a spiral configuration. The degree of protection and structural integrity are currently being qualified by the engineering teams. This structure is designed to provide protection and a safe refuge for soldiers and military personnel in various conflict and training situations.
Interest of 3D Concrete Printing:
3D concrete printing allows for the adaptation of structures to the terrain and customization according to specific needs, thereby reducing handling and labor requirements. This method enables the use of locally available materials, minimizing complex logistics. Additionally, structures can be printed remotely from the battlefield using a remote control screen, ensuring the safety of soldiers.
The use of 3D concrete printing by the military represents a major advancement in terms of logistics, safety, and construction speed. By enabling greater customization and adaptability, this technology addresses the unique challenges of modern military environments. Constructions-3D continues to innovate to provide robust and efficient solutions tailored to the specific needs of armed forces around the world.