3D printing is revolutionizing the world of construction, and Kazakhstan is at the forefront of this epochal transformation. In fact, in Almaty, the first 3D printed house in Central Asia was recently completed, a 100 m2 building whose main structure was built in just 5 days. But the real surprise is its resistance: designed to withstand magnitude 7 earthquakes and the extreme temperature changes typical of the region, this anti-seismic house represents a new standard of safety and living comfort. A result made possible by the use of super-resistant cement and cutting-edge 3D printing technology.
Marat Oshakhtiev, CEO of BM Partners, the company that carried out this ambitious project, is proud. “With this project, we have taken a decisive step towards the future, responding to the urgent need for an anti-seismic, modern, efficient and resilient housing solution”. Let's see better what it is.
An innovative cement for unprecedented resistance
How was it possible to create such a resistant earthquake-proof house in such a short time? The secret lies in the material used: a mix of high-resistance cement, with a compressive strength of almost 60 MPa (8500 PSI), well above 7-10 MPa (1015-1450 PSI) typical of conventional bricks and stones. At least the ones used in Kazakhstan. This mix, made with locally sourced cement, sand and gravel, has been improved with a special additive.
In addition to structural resistance, the house also offers high living comfort thanks to the use of expanded polystyrene concrete as insulation for the walls. Given Kazakhstan's extreme climate, with temperatures ranging from -57 to +49 degrees Celsius (-135 to +120 degrees Fahrenheit), expanded polystyrene concrete insulation significantly improves the thermal and acoustic performance of walls.
3D printing as a solution for the earthquake-proof buildings of the future
The Almaty house is not just an isolated experiment. It is a model for the future of construction, especially in areas where traditional construction methods are too expensive or take too long. And it proves once again that 3D printed buildings are built to last, even when built in areas of high seismic risk. It could be very useful for us, in a preventative way.
An example? My Campi Flegrei. It would be an interesting idea to encourage access to 3D printed houses with local materials in a short time, to decongest dangerous areas. In fact, once a structure has been obtained in just 5 days, everything is delivered within two months because it is finished "by hand" by real workers: to add windows, doors and anything else necessary, including furniture. It can be done. And it can be done BEFORE, not after the omelette has already been made.
Overall, this project can be a model to be replicated around the world. Earthquake 3D printing can really make a difference in people's lives. It's hard not to share Oshakhtiev's enthusiasm. If this is the future of construction, then it's a future I can't wait to see realized.
