US Army scientists 3D print using ice reinforced with natural fibers
The goal was to find innovative ways to build military installations in remote cold regions
Scientists at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) have developed a new way to 3D print using ice reinforced with natural fibers. The project involved teams from two ERDC labs: the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL), focusing on advanced materials, and the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), specializing in additive construction.
The goal was to find innovative ways to build military installations in remote cold regions where traditional construction is challenging or impossible. “We sought to utilize ice and snow as abundant natural resources in these regions that can be leveraged for construction of expeditionary structures, those that are temporary,” said Kiera Thompson Towell, a CRREL research materials engineer.
This approach would allow automated construction of customizable, temporary structures tailored to specific needs and locations, while reducing the need to transport building materials. Additionally, it minimizes cold exposure risks for Soldiers and staff, and leaves a minimal environmental footprint with easy teardown.
The next step for the team is to scale up their work using a larger 3D printer to test the material’s properties and performance in CRREL’s Cold Room facilities.
