Walmart has integrated 3D printing into its construction projects.
Global retail giant Walmart has partnered with concrete 3D printing company Alquist 3D to build a nearly 8,000 square foot, 20 foot tall addition to its Athens, Tennessee store . The building will be used to enhance online pickup and delivery services. This is the first time Walmart has used 3D printing technology for its expansion, and it has also become one of the largest 3D printed freestanding concrete commercial structures in the United States, marking a new breakthrough for the technology 3D printing in the retail sector.
In 2017, multinational conglomerate Deloitte released a report on commercial real estate (CRE) innovation, listing “five topics that commercial real estate owners should consider as an integral part of their business strategies”, the one of them being 3D printing. Today, additive construction (AC) finally seems to be making its mark in the world of commercial real estate.
As you progress through exploration, there will be successes and failures.
Alquist 3DA, as a company specializing in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) robotics, has gained experience in the housing market and partnered with Habitat for Humanity in Virginia to build homes 3D printed. Data shows that these homes outperform traditional buildings in indoor air quality, gas and humidity control.
However, last year’s 3D printed house project in Iowa didn’t go well. Alquist 3D tried different delivery systems and materials to print the exterior walls of the first of 10 planned homes, but the structure was ultimately demolished due to the development of surface cracks.
During the Iowa project, Alquist 3D learned many valuable lessons, including the need to commission whenever the equipment is used in a new climate, as temperature changes can cause various problems with the concrete . “This is one of the challenges of introducing new technologies to the world,” said Zack Mannheimer, president and founder of Alquist 3D.
Walmart dares to try, but the project is delayed
Mike Neill, vice president of construction at Walmart, said: “Walmart is always committed to innovating and leveraging emerging technologies. We looked at several new construction methods and companies for this project, and Alquist showed the best ability to work together because of their understanding. 3D materials and has a deep understanding of robotics and a desire to embark on this ambitious and unique project.
As a result, Alquist 3D successfully took on the Walmart expansion project in Athens, Tennessee. But the company also encountered temperature issues during the Walmart expansion due to Tennessee’s hot and humid summers. The team even had to use water to cool the overheated concrete to ensure it reached the ideal printing temperature. Additionally, Alquist’s original pump was not compatible with the material and several pipes became clogged in the process.
The Walmart expansion project is finishing weeks later than originally planned because the construction team encountered problems with thorny materials, clogged pipes and delays in local building permits. However, as the project progressed, the construction process became smoother and more efficient. Alquist partnered with full-service general contractor FMGI, which has completed several construction projects for Walmart.
FMGI CEO Darin Ross said Walmart’s expansion project combines the strengths of his company’s “traditional construction staff” and “Alquist’s new technology staff” holding tablets by integrating the 3D printing, combining cutting-edge digital technology with traditional subtractive construction methods. the team successfully completed the expansion of Walmart.
Despite the difficulties, architectural 3D printing still has a bright future ahead of it
In fact, 3D printing is “not a revolutionary tool that will work wonders,” but rather another useful tool in the toolbox. Perhaps in the near future it will no longer be surprising to see 3D printed robots alongside excavators and cranes on construction sites.
Currently, few commercial real estate projects have been completed using 3D printing, and the technology is not always faster or cheaper than traditional construction. According to reports, the cost of 3D printing for a store expansion in Tennessee is about the same as traditional methods. However, Walmart is clearly happy with it, Mike Neill said: “Walmart is always looking to innovate and take advantage of emerging technologies. As we further explore opportunities in the area of concrete 3D printing, we believe this is a direction worth exploring. »
Walmart also believes that the use of 3D printing technology in the construction industry is consistent with its long-term goal of being more environmentally friendly. Building on the success of the 3D printing project in Athens, Tennessee, Walmart plans to launch a second project with Alquist soon. Additionally, Walmart is currently planning more than 200 similar expansion projects.
