EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Fort Bliss breaks ground on a project that will bring 10 new 3D-printed training barracks to the post, an effort Army officials are calling the Department of War\u2019s largest robotic construction project.<\/p>\n
Military leaders said the project is intended to provide higher-quality housing for soldiers stationed at Fort Bliss, using a faster method that is more cost-effective. <\/p>\n
According to Fort Bliss, it is working with the construction company ICON to build the barracks, with ICON officials stating that the 3D-printed materials are not susceptible to the elements or erosion like other materials, making them well-suited for building the barracks.<\/p>\n
Jason Ballard, ICON\u2019s CEO and co-founder, said 3D printing can reduce the amount of material needed while still meeting building standards.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s a lot of concrete and masonry material on this base, but because of 3D printing, you can actually use less material ’cause you’re depositing exactly what you need instead of solid filling while still meeting the strength and performance requirements of the building,\u201d Ballard said.<\/p>\n
Jordan Gillis, the assistant secretary of the Army for energy installations and environment, said the Fort Bliss project is the first of its kind, with more planned elsewhere.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’ve got another one lined up for more barracks and more facilities elsewhere, but this is the first of a kind,\u201d Gillis said.<\/p>\n
The groundbreaking comes months after Fort Bliss announced the effort in December, when the contract for the 10 new buildings was awarded. <\/p>\n
Once complete, the barracks are expected to house 560 soldiers by June, officials previously announced on Facebook in December. <\/p>\n
Fort Bliss officials said the 3D-printing approach is expected to provide safe and comfortable living spaces while saving the government money compared with the costs of multiple years of temporary facilities. <\/p>\n
The installation has also been approved to expand the number of 3D-printed barracks, increasing clean, safe barracks space for mobilized and deployed soldiers in just a few months.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Fort Bliss to build 10 new 3D-printed barracks for 560 soldiers by June<\/a><\/p>\n