In April 2025, China Three Gorges University in Hubei Province completed an amazing project: the country’s first 3D-printed two-story building. Standing 8 meters tall, it took just 22 days to build with only three workers — much faster than traditional methods.
Instead of using bricks, a giant 3D printer created the entire structure layer by layer with special concrete. Professor Li Yangbo, the project leader, said, “Our printer makes walls, floors, and columns as one piece, which is stronger and more precise.” The team spent three years developing the 12-meter-wide printer, solving challenges like keeping the printing stable and accurate.
Some walls had tiny cracks (裂缝) due to hot weather during printing, but Professor Li explained these were only on non-load-bearing walls and harmless. The building’s strength comes from 15 printed columns filled with steel and concrete. “The walls are straight and smooth, just as safe as regular buildings,” he added.
Normally, building such a house would take five workers two months. With 3D printing, it saved 70% time and 40% labor costs. The printer also uses eco-friendly materials like industrial waste, cutting pollution. At ¥1,000 per square meter, it’s as affordable as rural homes.
After tests, the building will become a lab for new experiments. The printer can also make pipes, sculptures, and more from materials like plastic and ceramics (陶瓷). Foreign experts have visited to learn about this Chinese innovation.
Professor Li said, “This technology is ready for real-world use.” As 3D printing grows, China is leading smarter, greener construction.
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1.1. What is special about the building in Hubei Province?
A It is China’s only 3D-printed house.
B It was built with only three workers in 22 days.
C It uses traditional bricks and concrete.
D It costs more than rural homes.
解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第一段的“it took just 22 days to build with only three workers”可知，该建筑仅用3名工人22天建成。故选B。
2.2. Why is the 3D-printed building stronger than traditional ones?
A It uses a wider printer.
B Walls and columns are printed separately.
C All parts are printed as a single piece.
D It took three months to develop the printer.
解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第二段的“Our printer makes walls, floors, and columns as one piece, which is stronger”可知，“一体化打印”使房屋结构更坚固。故选C。
3.3. What caused the cracks in the walls?
A High temperature.
B Workers’ mistakes.
C Weak materials.
D Unstable structure.
解析：选A。A 推理判断题。根据第三段的“Some walls had tiny cracks due to hot weather during printing”可知，炎热的天气（即高温）导致了一些裂纹的出现。故选A。
4.4. How does 3D printing help the environment?
A It reduces costs by 50%.
B It uses green materials.
C It improves air quality in cities.
D It takes longer time to build.
解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第四段的“The printer also uses eco-friendly materials like industrial waste, cutting pollution.”可知，打印机使用工业废料等环保材料。故选B。
5.5. What will the building be used for after tests?
A A home for workers.
B A factory for making pipes.
C A tourist attraction.
D A lab for new experiments.
解析：选D。D 细节理解题。根据第五段首句可知建筑将作为实验测试基地。故选D。
