Walmart has completed one of the largest free-standing, 3D-printed commercial structures in the US. Alquist 3D printed the almost 8,000-sf, 20-foot-high addition to a Walmart store in Athens, Tenn.
The expansion, which will be used for online pickup and delivery, is the first time Walmart has applied 3D printing technology at this scale. CPH designed the structure, with FMGI as the general contractor.
“This is the first such facility of its kind and it’s just incredible that it is a reality. This is going to play a major role in the advancement of 3DCP [3D concrete printing] technology,” Zachary Mannheimer, founder and chairman, Alquist 3D, said in a press statement.
After considering several companies in the field of innovative construction technology, Walmart selected Alquist 3D for two main reasons: its expertise in delivering complex projects and its ability to partner with industry leaders such as SIKA, a specialty chemicals company, and RIC Technology, a provider of construction robotics. These partnerships gave Alquist the knowledge and resources needed to meet the project’s challenges.
Video courtesy Alquist 3D
“Walmart is always looking to innovate and leverage developing technologies, and we looked at several new building methods and companies for this project,” said Mike Neill, vice president of new construction, Walmart. “Alquist presented the best ability to work with due to their deep knowledge of 3D materials, robotics, and desire to take on an ambitious and unique project.”
Walmart’s use of 3D construction printing aligns with its broader aims of becoming more environmentally friendly, leveraging cutting-edge technology to attract customers, and accelerating the construction process.
The Alquist 3D team’s lessons learned from the project include the importance of managing material temperatures during summer, achieving faster print times, and successfully constructing vertical structures up to 20 feet—a first for the company. Alquist 3D will use the experience gained here on future projects, such as residential and commercial construction.
“The knowledge gained on this project will accelerate our work on residential units to fulfill the mission of Alquist,” said Patrick Callahan, CEO, Alquist 3D. “In order to improve, we tackled the most challenging project we could find and completed it with excellence.”
Alquist and Walmart plan to work on a second project in the near future.
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