3D impression continues to make way in the world of architecture. After seeing the first houses and even data centers 3D printednow is the turn of rail infrastructure. The latest novelty It arrives from Japanwhere they have already installed a train station built with this technology. According to those responsible, the main advantages against traditional methods are speed and sustainability.
As can be seen in the images, we are not facing a station that impresss its size or monumental design. On the contrary: it is a simple, functional and compact construction. At first glance it may seem plastic, but in reality it is printed in concrete. The structure, of less than 10 square meters, is based on several reinforcement bars and has two openings for the passage of passengers.
The first 3D printed station in the world
The structure was printed a few kilometers and was subsequently transferred in a truck to Hatsushima Station, in the Wakayama Prefecture, about 96 kilometers south of Osaka. There the final assembly was carried out. Naohiro Ohashi, spokesman for Jr West Japan, explained to NHK that “Normally it takes about two months in building a station of this size ”, and that in this case the priority was the speed to complete the work.
The assembly of the structure was completed in about two hours with the help of a crane, and all the work ended before the first train departure to Wakayama. The pieces, of several tons, were manipulated by only six operators, including the crane operator. With this experience, the company already has a more precise estimate of the time necessary to install this type of stations, which are part of future projects.
From now on, the company will evaluate the profitability of both construction and maintenance. Depending on the performance of this first station, they consider Extend the use of this technology to other locations. They point out that 3D impression facilitates a planned renewal of the railway facilities, especially before the Crecent labor shortage. The objective, they point out, is to move towards a more sustainable rail infrastructure.
According to Nikkeithe current building of the Hatsushima station was built in 1948 and currently functions as a station without staff. The oldest structure, larger, showed a remarkable deterioration and its maintenance had become increasingly expensive. Jr West decided to replace it with a new 3D printed version, more adjusted to the actual level of use and also useful to assess the impact of saline air that blows from the sea.
Images | @handakunihio (x) | JR West Japan
In Xataka | We have discovered (again) the secret of Roman concrete. Is less impressive than it seems
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings