The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command are investigating innovative construction methods for building military facilities. The focus is on additive manufacturing, high-performance concrete and solid wood construction methods to improve the efficiency, sustainability and resilience of military infrastructure. Experts presented their progress and plans at a hearing in the US Congress.
Dave Morrow, Director of Military Programs at the Army Corps of Engineers, emphasized that additive construction methods significantly expand the possibilities for military building construction.
“In an increasingly complex global security environment, our commitment to innovation in military construction is not just about building structures, it’s about building the resilience and readiness our forces need to prevail,” Morrow said. “By working with industry to leverage these advancements, we can deliver more durable, sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure for our military, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, while equipping our troops with the best facilities in the world.”
Initial projects at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida and Fort Bliss in Texas demonstrated the benefits of 3D printing for the construction of barracks. In future, this technology could be used not only in garrisons but also in operational areas. Reduced construction times and lower logistics costs could lead to significant savings in the long term.
“DOD has expressly acknowledged the applicability of CLT with the creation of a guide specification,” Keith Hamilton, Chief Engineer for Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, said. “As the CLT construction industry matures, CLT may prove more competitive and could be utilized more broadly in DOD construction.”
At the same time, the U.S. Navy is testing the use of solid wood, in particular cross-laminated timber (CLT). In Hampton Roads, Virginia, a kindergarten building with a hybrid exterior structure made of solid wood is currently under construction. Keith Hamilton, chief engineer at NAVFAC, emphasized that the Department of Defense has already developed guidelines for the use of CLT. This construction method could become more economically competitive as the market matures.
In addition, NAVFAC is focusing on high-performance concrete for critical infrastructure such as aircraft hangars. A pilot project at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point demonstrates improved resistance to extreme environmental conditions. The U.S. Navy plans to systematically test alternative construction methods and work more closely with industry and research institutions to establish innovative solutions in military construction planning.
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