Alquist 3D uses concrete printing to produce 8,000sqft addition to Athens, TN store.
Walmart and Alquist 3D, a provider of 3D concrete printing, have collaborated to produce one of the largest free-standing, 3D-printed commercial concrete structures in the United States—a nearly 8,000-square-foot, 20-foot-high addition to a store in Athens, TN.
The expansion, dedicated to enhancing Walmart’s Online Pickup & Delivery (OPD) program, marks the first time Walmart has utilized 3D printing technology at this scale. The work accomplished by Alquist in Athens has reportedly led to a second project with Walmart in the near future.
According to a press release from Alquist 3D, Walmart chose the company for this project for two primary reasons: Alquist 3D’s expertise in delivering complex projects and its partnerships with other companies, such as SIKA and RIC Technology. Alquist 3D states that these partnerships have equipped it with the necessary knowledge and resources to meet the challenges posed by this project.
“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 technology,” said Zachary Mannheimer, founder and chairman of Alquist 3D in the press release. “And for Walmart to see the value in this project demonstrates how forward-thinking the leadership of this organization is.”
“The knowledge gained on this project will accelerate our work on residential units to fulfill the mission of Alquist,” said Patrick Callahan, CEO of Alquist 3D. “In order to improve, we tackled the most challenging project we could find and completed it with excellence.”
Walmart’s decision to use 3D construction printing aligns with its stated goals of becoming more environmentally friendly, leveraging cutting-edge technology to attract customers and accelerating the construction process.
“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, VP of new construction for 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.”
The project has apparently yielded several important insights for the Alquist 3D team. Key lessons 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. The company states that collaboration with students from Aims Community College has also proven to be an effective training pathway for future projects.
The experience gained from this project will be crucial in future endeavors, including residential and commercial construction, as well as potential infrastructure projects. The company views this commercial endeavor as a strategic move that will not only advance its construction capabilities but also contribute to addressing larger societal challenges, such as the housing crisis.
