Achievements in Japan in Just 6 Hours Will Shift Public Works Perspectives
But not everywhere. In a surprising feat, the huge potential of 3D technology to revolutionize the time, cost, and way infrastructure is built has been highlighted. It may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s real… and it’s just getting started.
A technological feat that defies convention
In a country where many public works seem eternal, the story coming from Japan may seem unbelievable. The West Japan Railway Company (JR West) managed to completely replace the old Hatsushima station using prefabricated modules created through 3D printing.
The process began at the end of March and was meticulously planned. The last train passed at midnight, and right after that, the work team sprung into action. By 5:45 a.m., the new station was ready to receive the first train of the day. However, the key was that all the pieces were already fabricated in advance.
From factory to station overnight: How it was possible
The prefabricated modules were made with cement in a 3D printer in Kumamoto Prefecture. For a week, the machine created layer after layer to form each section. Subsequently, the structures were reinforced with steel and filled with more concrete, achieving seismic resistance comparable to traditional constructions.
The Hatsushima station, with an average of 530 passengers daily, was originally opened in 1949. Its reconstruction was not only fast but also cost-efficient: it halved the usual expense of a project of this kind, and the impact on railway operations was minimal.
The future of construction is starting to take shape
Although the exterior structure is already complete, the station will not open its doors until July. JR West still needs to finish the interior details and other elements of the project. However, won’t stop there. According to reports from Japanese and specialized media like Jalopnik, the railway company plans to implement this system in future renovations.
Resembling more of a modern shelter than a conventional terminal, this innovative approach seems to be just the beginning. The speed, efficiency, and minimal impact on daily operations make it a futuristic solution that could potentially be applied in other countries. For now, we can only imagine Metrobus stations being built in a single night.
