Holcim Polska completed its first 3D printed concrete drinking water tank in Barczewko, near Olsztyn, Poland. This project, achieved in collaboration with GLOBTANK, COBOD International, and the general contractor EKO-WOD Kętrzyn for the investor ZWiK Barczewo, highlights Holcim’s emerging role as a leader in innovative additive construction technologies such as the BOD 3D printers.
Holcim Polska’s Marketing Manager, Rafal Latawiec, underscored the significance of this achievement, saying, “We are proud to bring technological innovation to Poland and Europe, especially in projects of such high social and ecological importance.” With Holcim’s ongoing commitment to driving sustainable solutions, the company is positioned to lead in shaping how 3D printing technology is utilized in essential infrastructure projects worldwide.
The Holcim water tank project is particularly notable for its enhanced sustainability and efficiency. By adopting COBOD’s advanced 3D printing techniques, Holcim managed to reduce concrete consumption by 25%. This reduction was made possible by using TectorPrint, a custom-made concrete mix specifically designed for compatibility with 3D printing technology. The reduced material usage directly contributes to a lower environmental impact, aligning with Holcim’s ongoing commitment to sustainable development practices.
Manufacturing on Demand
The speed of construction was another impressive feat, with the tank walls completed in just 38 hours. This rapid turnaround underscores the ability of 3D printing to accelerate traditional construction timelines, a promising development for the water supply industry, which often faces significant pressure to deliver essential infrastructure efficiently.
Building the water tank was a collaborative effort, with Holcim working closely alongside GLOBTANK, COBOD International, and EKO-WOD Kętrzyn. Through this partnership, Holcim was able to leverage cutting-edge technology to address some of the longstanding challenges of traditional construction, illustrating how collaborative ventures between technology firms and construction leaders can drive transformative change across the sector.
The success of the Barczewko water tank is not just a one-time achievement but represents the beginning of a broader initiative to integrate 3D printing into infrastructure projects, which could lead to more sustainable, cost-effective solutions across various industries, particularly in resource-intensive fields like water management.
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Author: Davide Sher
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