On Capitol Hill, military officials met with lawmakers to discuss the potential future uses of innovative construction techniques and technologies by the Army and Navy. Additive construction, such as 3D printing buildings, high performance cement and concrete mixes, and mass timber construction were among the topics discussed. The goal is to develop cost-efficient and resilient military construction projects that can enhance the readiness of the armed forces in an increasingly complex global security environment.
The Army Corps of Engineers has already piloted 3D printed construction at various bases, including Tyndall Air Force Base and Fort Bliss. This technology has the potential to reduce costs, manpower, logistics, and time, while also opening up new applications such as unconventional countermeasures. The Engineer Research and Development Center has played a role in developing unified facilities criteria for additive construction, allowing for code-compliant and usable military facilities to be constructed using this method.
The Navy is also exploring innovative construction methods, such as mass timber construction, for projects like a child development center in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Mass timber, also known as cross-laminated timber, offers the potential for more competitive and broader use in DOD construction. The use of high-performance concrete at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point for building a new F-35 Lighting II hangar is another example of the Navy’s commitment to using advanced materials and technologies to enhance the capabilities of warfighters.
Both the Army Corps of Engineers and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command are actively seeking out new technologies, materials, and methods to improve facilities and capabilities for the military. Collaboration with industry, academia, and other government partners is essential to identifying and leveraging future opportunities for construction projects. By evaluating alternative construction methods, lowering costs, and accelerating project delivery, the Army and Navy aim to provide the best facilities for their troops while ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently.
