The Military Engineering Services (MES) yesterday, unveiled a first-of-its-kind 3D printed runway controller hut at the Pune Air Force station. This controller hut was built in just 30 days using construction/concrete 3D printing technology. Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Chief Engineer of the Indian Army, inspected the new structure on Wednesday.
Construction 3D printing is gaining wide popularity in India as more and more institutes, companies and even defence establishments using it for their pilot projects to validate the technology.
3D Printed Runway Controller Hut
The novel structure includes a 3D printed concrete foundation and wall panels, as well as a precast ground-floor roof. The upper floor panels are supported by steel girders and encased in toughened glass. The upper-floor roof is made of Galvalume and PUF panels.
These huts are an essential part of air traffic control and aerospace safety, providing vital inputs to the Duty Air Traffic Control Officer (DATCO) for a smooth, efficient, and safe flight.
Rather than limiting itself to a single technology, the team used a "hybrid approach" combining 3D printing and traditional construction techniques to speed up the construction process without sacrificing quality, according to MES officials.
The Runway Controller Hut also has a sanitary block and 3D printed staircases. According to officials, the entire structure has been given an aesthetic yet functional set of specifications.
In a similar case of 3D printing in construction in India, the Indian Army engineers 3D printed houses for jawans in Gujarat.
You can read our article on the top 3D construction printing companies in India for more information.
