3D printing technology is thriving. It is increasingly difficult to find something that could not be created in this way. The Dutch from Eindhoven University of Technology decided to print a reinforced concrete bridge.
Researchers at the Dutch Eindhoven University of Technology have begun printing 3D reinforced concrete bridges. The Dutch design of the bicycle bridge made in this technology is the first project of its kind in the world. Previously, researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore printed a bridge of reinforced concrete without reinforcement. The 3D printed bridge from reinforced concrete will be on the section of the Gemert roundabout, where other modern projects are being implemented at the University.
The Dutch print in parallel reinforcement elements as well as concrete elements. Construction of the bridge with finished parts will start in September. Researchers have previously created a 1: 2 scale model that was able to withstand two tone pressure. Pretty good result for a small bike bridge. Holendrzy drukują na drukarce 3D... most ze zbrojonego betonu At this point you should ask yourself: why print a bridge using such materials? The answer is simple: the process consumes much less concrete, so the environmental damage of such a project is much lower. In addition, 3D printers allow you to create far more subtle shapes than those created using the technology available so far.
Researchers point out that reinforced concrete made in such a technology should also be characterized by greater strength - the printed components in parallel are subjected to stresses already at the production stage, which improves as a consequence their quality.
Designers are not in a position to determine precisely whether their design would scale, and their technology enabled them to print larger bridges with greater durability.