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

  • New barrier, crash cushion and access control technology will benefit road user safety
    October 26, 2012
    Protecting road users, with barriers, crash cushions or access control systems, is crucial for network safety - Mike Woof writes Tough regulations are now in place in Europe and the US, requiring road authorities to provide safer road infrastructure than in the past. Technologies to reduce the severity of vehicle impacts against obstructions or redirect vehicles into the roadway should help cut injuries amongst drivers and passengers alike. The specifications for the use of crash cushions and barriers can v
    Read More
  • Innovative testing boosts pavement quality
    February 16, 2012
    Innovative materials testing technology will allow the road sector to boost pavement quality, Mike Woof and Patrick Smith report. With billions being spent on highway construction worldwide, governments are looking to make sure their investments last as long as possible.
    Read More
  • Bridge engineering worldwide
    July 1, 2013
    Guy Woodford looks at vital bridge construction, repair and inspection projects in China, Europe, North America and Australia The Heron Road Bridge in Ottawa, Ontario in Canada is a vital link within the City’s transport network, as it crosses the Rideau River, which divides the east and west parts of the City. Constructed in 1966-1967, the Heron Road Bridge is approximately 275m long and includes six lanes.
    Read More
  • The Lessons of the Genoa bridge collapse
    April 23, 2019
    The partial collapse of the Polcevera viaduct, better known as the Morandi Bridge, has prompted debate regarding the technical and administrative aspects of maintaining road infrastructures. We discussed it with the engineer Gabriele Camomilla, former Director of Research and Maintenance of the Società Autostrade, who coordinated the only major structural intervention performed on the bridge, carried out in the early 1990s
    Read More

Highlighted Content