The 20-foot-high expansion is one of the largest freestanding 3D-printed commercial concrete structures in the U.S., according to Alquist 3D.
Walmart selected Alquist for its expertise in 3D materials and robotics, aiming to embark on a project of this magnitude, stated Mike Neill, vice president of new construction for Walmart.
“Walmart is always looking to innovate and leverage developing technologies, and we looked at several new building methods and companies for this project,” Neill mentioned.
Commercial properties that incorporate 3D printing are rare. Patti Harburg-Petrich, principal in the Los Angeles office of U.K.-based engineering firm Buro Happold, expressed to Construction Dive last year that building codes were hindering progress on the method.
Nevertheless, some builders in the space are betting on the tech. Last September, Canadian builder WSP announced that it was researching new applications for 3D printed concrete, including infrastructure and clean energy projects.
“The technology is impacting the housing sector and its reach is expected to eventually expand into heavy infrastructure,” said Markus Wernli, vice president of the maritime division at WSP in the U.S., in a news release announcing the move. “The use of 3DPC will first grow in less challenged structural and non-structural components before finding application in components for large infrastructure.”
Outside of terrestrial construction, 3D printing is finding a use as well — a team from New York City-based Turner is working with AI SpaceFactory to test the capabilities of off-world 3d printing here on Earth.