From the Printer to Post: Evaluating the Feasibility of 3D-Printed Modular Barracks for Deployed Environments

Abstract

A vital element of an expeditious military is the ability to quickly deploy troops to austere and dynamic environments. Living quarters are an essential component of deployment. Currently, Department of Defense (DoD) branches rely on traditional solutions, such as temporary forward deployed barracks huts (B-Huts), containerized living units (CLUs), or Tent Extendable Modular Personnel (TEMPER), a modular, soft-walled, aluminum-framed tent. While practical, these frameworks fail to meet the demands of survivability and durability, force protection, and livability. Additionally, these options impose a significant logistical burden that requires shipment of construction material, engineer and transportation workforce, and associated time costs that strain operational and sustainment processes. This research conducts a qualitative comparative evaluation which analyzes the survivability, logistical efficiency, equipment lifespan, and habitability of conventional housing types in comparison to additive manufacturing (AM) construction. The study determined that as AM technology matures, its advantages are in structural resilience and progressive supply chain, which has the probability to reshape the DoD in future expeditionary infrastructure.