Innovative 3D printed bridge erected in China

A highly innovative 3D printed bridge made from resin and composite materials has been erected in China. The bridge has benefited from 3D printing technology developed by the Shanghai Construction Group (Shanghai Construction). The structure is just over 15m long and has been erected in Taopu Park in Shanghai. Although this is a small pedestrian bridge, its construction provides an effective trial for the 3D printing process. The bridge has an estimated working life of 30 years and is said to be weather and
December 4, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

A highly innovative 3D printed bridge made from resin and composite materials has been erected in China. The bridge has benefited from 3D printing technology developed by the Shanghai Construction Group (Shanghai Construction). The structure is just over 15m long and has been erected in Taopu Park in Shanghai. Although this is a small pedestrian bridge, its construction provides an effective trial for the 3D printing process. The bridge has an estimated working life of 30 years and is said to be weather and climate resistant. Should this bridge prove a success, it could pave the way for the manufacture of other bridges for use by pedestrians and cyclists. Allowing pedestrian/cyclist bridges to be manufactured using 3D printing techniques would cut both costs and installation times. This would allow new pedestrian/cyclist bridges to be erected more speedily over highways, while reducing the potential delays for road users. Whether larger bridges could be built simply by using 3D printing techniques may not be
feasible, however key components could be made using this technology.

Materials

Related Content

  • Innovations in machine control delivering performance
    May 20, 2019
    New innovations in machine control are delivering highperformance, with advances to come showing future potential – Mike Woof writes In transportation, the potential for autonomous vehicles that operate without the need for a human driver is now being evaluated. A string of development projects are underway by an array of automotive and technology companies, sometimes in partnership with each other. In the mining sector, autonomous machines have been operating in underground facilities for 20 years and
    Read More
  • Benefits of bitumen technology research
    March 15, 2012
    Bitumen technology is benefiting from years of research and development - Kristina Smith. On a 2.7km loop of road in Auburn in Alabama, US, a lorry driver drives his triple-truck round and round. During his eight-hour shift, he will have covered 544km, with another driver waiting to take over from him for the next shift. Their mission is to seriously damage the road. This is the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), where sponsors from states and private companies pay to test out new materials and
    Read More
  • Norway's bridge meets tough environmental targets
    May 2, 2012
    One of the world's longest bridges is being built in Norway – for traffic volumes of just 2,000 cars/day reports Adrian Greeman. The stunning landscape of the long sea fjords in Norway is one of its glories, attracting thousands of tourists every summer. But the high mountains and deep sea inlets are also one of the great obstacles to transport and development.
    Read More
  • Norway's bridge meets tough environmental targets
    February 27, 2012
    One of the world's longest bridges is being built in Norway – for traffic volumes of just 2,000 cars/day reports Adrian Greeman. The stunning landscape of the long sea fjords in Norway is one of its glories, attracting thousands of tourists every summer. But the high mountains and deep sea inlets are also one of the great obstacles to transport and development.
    Read More

Highlighted Content