WASProject Aims to 3D Print Homes in 3rd World Countries Using Native Soil for Material

3-D Print ^ | July 10, 2014 | Eddie Krassenstein

[null and void]

Thanks, 2ndDivisionVet!

[HiTech RedNeck]

All the dirt that’s fit to print (ba doom tish)

[null and void]

If they follow Nader Khalili’s lead and fire them from the inside out to make Geltaftan, this could be a wonderful step forward for 3rd world residents.

[MrB]

Gettin’ closer to that replicator!

“Earl Gray tea, hot.”

[null and void]

[listenhillary]

Haven’t they been doing this by hand for a long time? Because it’s uniform and tidy from being extruded, does that make it more stable and durable?

I’m a big fan of printing houses. I just don’t see the benefit here without electrical power systems and water systems in place. Their hearts are in the right place I suppose.

[null and void]

3-D Printer Ping!

Tea? TEA??? How about T-Bone!

Make mine steak!

[CrazyIvan]

“World’s Advanced Saving Project”

My first thought was that is was a reference to mud dauber wasps. This is a high tech version of how they build.

[bert]

A better solution to the construction problem would be reusable forms with an XYZ controlled concrete pump.

Adobe weathers. Portland cement concrete does not

[Ouchthatonehurt]

Great post!
Even apart from the promise of industrial sized 3D printing is the use of local material. Another interesting idea is sandbag architecture: http://www.akdn.org/architecture/project.asp?id=2761

[null and void]

Yes. Adobe has been a building material pretty much since building started. There have been any number of incremental improvements since then. This is another.

Time will tell whether this is a winner or yet another trivial and forgotten improvement.

The biggest improvement in the last 1000 years (IMHO) was from Nader Khalili’s observation that the only thing left of ancient mud hut villages was the baker’s oven.

[null and void]

My first thought was that is was a reference to mud dauber wasps. This is a high tech version of how they build.

I believe you are correct.

[null and void]

A better solution to the construction problem would be reusable forms with an XYZ controlled concrete pump.

Adobe weathers. Portland cement concrete does not

Look up Nader Khalili.

"Better" is always a relative term. Portland cement is a superior material, but dirt is, well, dirt cheap.

[READINABLUESTATE]

They will crumble at the slightest hint of an earthquake.

[MrB]

Well, it certainly wasn’t going to be the
“White Anglo-Saxon Project”

[Jonty30]

Once you have the initial step of being able to do this, in time they can refine it to account for modern amenities.

[null and void]

A danger for nearly any construction technique. Adding any fiber to the mix (straw, wool, wood, hair, cotton) will markedly strengthen them. As would firing.

[MHGinTN]

Already printing using Portland cement. Huge derrick guides a big hose that lays down a ribbon of cement to build up the walls. Thickness is set for inside or outside walls.

[bert]

I think JE Green tried such a system but it didn’t work out with enough sales to stay in the business.

[sportutegrl]

I was thinking White Anglo Saxon Protestants. WASPS. Is there anything they can’t do? Now they are printing houses.