The Netherlands can be proud of a new record: that of the longest 3D printed bridge, which has just been put into service in Nijmegen (near the German border). With its 29 meters long, it exceeds the one opened in 2019 in Shanghai, which measures “only” 26.3 meters. The initiative is part of a collaboration between the Eindhoven University of Technology, very focused on materials andimpression 3D, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and designer Michiel van der Kley. For the latter, 3D printing makes it possible to overcome traditional forms. ” Most of constructions on concrete are made using molds. These molds are not only expensive, but they are also partly responsible for greater uniformity », Remarks the designer on its website.
It took a whole day to print each of the 30 constituent parts of the bridge. © Michiel van der Kley, vimeo
In addition to aesthetics and speed of construction, 3D printing also results in better worker safety and less use of materials raw. In addition, more durable structures can be made at a lower cost. Especially since the range of materials continues to expand. In 2018, the city of Amsterdam inaugurated a 3D printed stainless steel bridge of 12.5 meters installed above a canal.
The Nijmegen record, however, is expected to be broken within three years. In France, the metropolis of Greater Paris granted in 2020 the design and realization of a bridge 40 meters to the Freyssinet / Lavigne & Cheron Architects / Quadric / XtreeE / LafargeHolcim consortium. The bridge, of which only the deck will be fully 3D printed, should be inaugurated for the Olympic Games in 2024.
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The Netherlands can be proud of a new record: that of the longest 3D printed bridge, which has just been put into service in Nijmegen (near the German border). With its 29 meters long, it exceeds the one opened in 2019 in Shanghai, which measures “only” 26.3 meters. The initiative is part of a collaboration between the Eindhoven University of Technology, very focused on materials andimpression 3D, the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and designer Michiel van der Kley. For the latter, 3D printing makes it possible to overcome traditional forms. ” Most of constructions on concrete are made using molds. These molds are not only expensive, but they are also partly responsible for greater uniformity », Remarks the designer on its website.
It took a whole day to print each of the 30 constituent parts of the bridge. © Michiel van der Kley, vimeo
In addition to aesthetics and speed of construction, 3D printing also results in better worker safety and less use of materials raw. In addition, more durable structures can be made at a lower cost. Especially since the range of materials continues to expand. In 2018, the city of Amsterdam inaugurated a 3D printed stainless steel bridge of 12.5 meters installed above a canal.
The Nijmegen record, however, is expected to be broken within three years. In France, the metropolis of Greater Paris granted in 2020 the design and realization of a bridge 40 meters to the Freyssinet / Lavigne & Cheron Architects / Quadric / XtreeE / LafargeHolcim consortium. The bridge, of which only the deck will be fully 3D printed, should be inaugurated for the Olympic Games in 2024.
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