The structure was 3D printed from 4,500 kilograms of stainless steel by four robots over a period of six months in a factory before been installed over the canal this year.
Its curving S-shaped form and balustrades cut with lattice-style perforations were created using parametric modelling software.
“This robotic technology finally allows larger optimized designs to be 3D printed in metal,” said MX3D co-founder Gijs van der Velden.
“This causes significant weight reduction and reduced impact for parts manufactured in the tooling, oil and gas and construction industries.”
The creators of the bridge hope that it will demonstrate how 3D printing can make be used to make structures that require less material.
“The industry is facing a huge challenge in becoming carbon neutral in 2050,” said Arup structural engineer Stijn Joosten.
“By stepping up our game and the will to make a change as designers and engineers, we can bring the necessary innovation to make a difference in tomorrow’s built environment.”
The Alan Turing Institute and Arup fitted the structure with a network of sensors that allows the bridge to collect data and build a digital twin to keep track of its performance and health.
The digital twin will monitor corrosion, load changes, environmental conditions and also pedestrian use in efforts to further data-centric design.
The bridge has undergone multiple iterations since the project was launched in 2015. It was originally planned to 3D print the structure across the canal in a single piece and be open by 2017.
The structure was strengthened to be more in line with council regulations and to protect the structure against any potential boat collisions.
Post comments (0)