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

  • Developments in concrete road construction
    February 7, 2012
    Innovative developments are pushing forward concrete road construction techniques. The concrete road sector looks to benefit from some key innovations and developments now coming to market or being employed in different territories. Irregular weather and environmental conditions can alter the rate at which concrete cures, with a risk of plastic shrinkage cracks that can compromise the integrity of a pavement. Contractors cannot control the environmental conditions of a paving project and when weather patter
    Read More
  • New milling and stabilisation technology is coming to market
    May 29, 2013
    An array of new developments in the market for road recycling and stabilisation machines as well as milling equipment is now on offer - Mike Woof reports. Major new developments are being seen in the sector for road recycling and stabilisation equipment, as well as milling machines. New models are coming to market that benefit from the latest low emission engine technology to meet the increasingly tough European and North American requirements.
    Read More
  • New M90 surfacing in the UK gain praise
    January 8, 2013
    Early evaluation of surfacing work on the M90 at Rosyth – the first major application of Scotland’s new TS2010 specification – has earned positive praise. Transport Scotland’s determination to obtain pavement that is durable, long lasting and safe (especially in early life) is clearly apparent on the M90 just north of the Forth Road Bridge. Here surfacing has been carried out this spring to TS2010, a tough new specification designed to ensure thin surfacing pavements that work. And the initial prognosis is
    Read More
  • Rebuilding a historic bridge linking the US and Canada
    March 8, 2016
    While many road authorities in North America are finding it difficult to stretch their bridge assets beyond half a century, one bridge is closing in on its centenary - David Arminas reports The international Peace Bridge, connecting the Canadian province of Ontario with the US state of New York, is 88 years young this year, and still going strong.
    Read More

Highlighted Content