The first 3D printed bridge: Top 5 facts
With the recent announcement that Spain has become the home to the first 3D printed bridge, the first within civil engineering, take a look at our top 10 facts regarding how the concrete structure came into fruition.
1. Although not an aesthetic masterpiece, the bridge provides a substantial breakthrough in construction and engineering, and has been built with micro-reinforced concrete.
2. The Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) are responsible for the overall design and support of the bridge, having been undertaking significant research and development for 15 years.
3. Constructed through the use of parametric design, deriving new geometry in 3D software, the bridge will enable the “distribution of materials and minimise the amount of waste by recycling the raw material during manufacture”, according a statement, released by the IAAC.
4. Spanning 12 metres, ACCIONA was also part of the innovative project, which officially completed in December 2016.
5. 3D Printing is becoming increasingly popular, at which MX3D is constructing a 3D printed bridge in Amsterdam through the use of robotics.
Image source: Flickr