Architecture

3D printed reinforced concrete bridge opens in the Netherlands

3D printed reinforced concrete bridge opens in the Netherlands
A new 3D printed bridge has just opened up in the Netherlands
A new 3D printed bridge has just opened up in the Netherlands
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3D printing means cement can be applied only where it's required, reducing the need to build formwork structures and saving time, money and waste materials
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3D printing means cement can be applied only where it's required, reducing the need to build formwork structures and saving time, money and waste materials
The 3D printer builds the structures layer by layer, producing individual pieces standing 1 m (3.3 ft) tall
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The 3D printer builds the structures layer by layer, producing individual pieces standing 1 m (3.3 ft) tall
The bridge was 3D printed at Eindhoven out of cement, with steel cables laid in each layer by the print head before the cement was dry
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The bridge was 3D printed at Eindhoven out of cement, with steel cables laid in each layer by the print head before the cement was dry
The bridge was printed in six pieces, which were then assembled on-site, glued together and hoisted into place
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The bridge was printed in six pieces, which were then assembled on-site, glued together and hoisted into place
The 3D-printed bridge stretches 8 m (26.2 ft) long, 3.5 m (11.5 ft) wide and is 0.9 m (3 ft) thick
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The 3D-printed bridge stretches 8 m (26.2 ft) long, 3.5 m (11.5 ft) wide and is 0.9 m (3 ft) thick
The 3D-printed bridge can support 5 tons, which is far more weight than it will need to support during normal operation as a cyclist bridge
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The 3D-printed bridge can support 5 tons, which is far more weight than it will need to support during normal operation as a cyclist bridge
A new 3D printed bridge has just opened up in the Netherlands
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A new 3D printed bridge has just opened up in the Netherlands
View gallery - 7 images

A new bridge that was completely 3D printed has just opened in the Netherlands. Designed and built by engineers from the Technical University of Eindhoven and construction company BAM Infra, the cyclist bridge was printed in pieces from a concrete mixture, reinforced with steel cable, before being assembled and erected on-site.

Although the team is keen to call the project the world's first 3D-printed bridge, that's not really the case without adding a few caveats. A firm called MX3D was planning to have a pair of robot arms print a bridge out of steel, although the project seems to have stalled. However, a pedestrian bridge in Madrid was constructed early this year, which seems to claim the rightful title of first 3D printed bridge.

The bridge was 3D printed at Eindhoven out of cement, with steel cables laid in each layer by the print head before the cement was dry
The bridge was 3D printed at Eindhoven out of cement, with steel cables laid in each layer by the print head before the cement was dry

That said, the new Dutch design looks more like a practical bridge and less like an unfinished movie prop. It was made at Eindhoven, using a huge purpose-built cement printer. Liquified mortar is sent through a printhead to print individual layers 1 cm (0.4 in) thick, and before each layer dries steel wire is fed down through the head for reinforcement. Layer by layer, the printer builds up a section that stands about 1 m (3.3 ft) tall.

Six of these pieces were printed and carted to the construction site, where they were then glued together and hoisted into place. The final bridge stretches 8 m (26.2 ft) long, 3.5 m (11.5 ft) wide and is 0.9 m (3 ft) thick, and according to the team, it was able to support 5 tons in tests – far more weight than the cyclists it's designed for. It's expected to last for at least 30 years.

3D-geprinte betonnen fietsbrug

There are a few advantages to 3D printing structures like this. Cement can be deposited only where it's needed, reducing the amount of cement required and in turn lowering CO2 emissions during production. Since no formwork structures need to be built to support the wet cement, waste materials are also reduced, as well as the time and cost involved. The researchers estimate that their process should be three times faster than conventional construction with concrete, and more unusual shapes can be built.

The bridge was built as part of the Noord-Om project, which is aiming to use innovative techniques like 3D printing to construct a new section of road near the village of Gemert. The Eindhoven researchers are also currently working on printing five houses, which will eventually be lived in.

Sources: Technical University of Eindhoven, BAM Infra [1][2]

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1 comment
1 comment
Deres
Frankly, in this application, i do not see the interest. The 3D printer was used to create 6 time the same part that is not particularly adapted to the use (it is only a part of a truss). And some other manufactured part were added around to finish the bridge.