3D Laser Scanning Services Used To 3D Print A Bridge

Nijmegen, in the Netherlands, has presented the world’s longest 3D printed concrete pedestrian bridge, measuring 29 meters. This long bridge was created with the help of two technologies combined: 3D laser scanning services and 3D printers. 

The project was created by Rijkswaterstaat and designer Michiel van der Kley to celebrate Nijmegen’s 2018 European Green Capital status. Alderman Bert Velthuis of Nijmegen City Council said the city was thrilled to receive the innovative 3D printed bridge. This unique, inventive bridge is a great addition to our city of bridges. 

This project was first announced in April. The partners stated their desire to beat the world record for the longest 3D printed bridge held by Tsinghua University’s 86-foot concrete bridge in Shanghai. Both bridges used a mix of 3D scanning services and printers to create one-of-a-kind bridges. 

The concept used concrete 3D printing to give van der Kley complete creative control over the bridge design. Van der Kley built the bridge to absorb different forces in different areas while adding a more customized touch.

How the final design using 3D laser scanning services was created

Witteveen+Bos created 3D printable structural components from van der Kley’s design. Then, the final bridge design was created using a parametric model created by Summum Engineering. The model optimized the internal geometry of the bridge by segmenting it according to printing criteria given by TU Eindhoven.

Why 3D printed bridges are better for our society

3D printed bridges are faster and use less concrete than conventional bridges. According to the project partners, these features make concrete 3D printing viable for future construction projects that value sustainability and design freedom. We have seen tons of advantages by using 3D laser scanning services, but now we also see tons of benefits from connecting this technology to printers. 

After the bridge design was finalized, work began at Weber Beamix’s Eindhoven concrete printing factory. The bridge was created in pieces using BAM’s concrete 3D printing technology and assembled on-site.

The 29-meter bridge is said to be the world’s longest 3D printed concrete pedestrian bridge. The bridge was officially opened on September 8th. One of the best things about this latest bridge is that 3D laser scanning can help record how the team builds this bridge. People in the future will understand the exact steps taken to make something so spectacular. 

Summing it up

The technology is being employed to build constructions such as bridges, viaducts, and even commercial buildings. Many construction agencies have turned to 3D laser scan services and printers to build and construct various things or update existing structures. 

So the technique has recently been used to build bridges. A consortium led by LafargeHolcim and XtreeE is working on one such initiative. The collaboration will design and build a 40-meter pedestrian bridge using 3D printed structural concrete in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.