The Dutch town of Gemert will soon be home to the first reinforced 3D-printed concrete bridge, which is set to be installed in less than a month's time.
The bridge will be the first of its kind to be made with the innovative technique, which involves a special process that "reinforces concrete layers with steel cables as the concrete blocks are formed." Through this process, the possibility of tensile stress, which commonly occurs in concrete construction, can be avoided. Each printed concrete piece features a thicker than normal formula, which eliminates the presence of bubbles. In addition, this new technique prints concrete that easily holds its form, eliminating the need for framework, which consumes both time and money.
Photo Credits: designboom, tue.nl
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- 3d-printed Concrete
- The innovative technique of reinforced 3D printed concrete features a special process that eliminates the possibility of tensile stress, which is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the construction industry.
- Eliminating Framework
- The new technique of printing concrete that easily holds its form, without the need for framework is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the construction industry, saving both time and money.
- Thicker Concrete Formula
- The thicker than normal formula used in printed concrete pieces, which eliminates the presence of bubbles, is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the construction industry to develop more robust concrete structures.
Where This Applies
- Construction
- The construction industry stands to benefit greatly from 3D-printed reinforced concrete bridges with the potential for faster, cheaper and more durable infrastructure projects.
- Architecture
- The use of 3D printing to create complex designs with reinforced concrete, eliminates the need for expensive molds and opens up new possibilities for architects in designing unique structures with the strength of concrete.
- Engineering
- The use of innovative techniques such as 3D printing and reinforced concrete bridges presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the engineering industry to explore sustainable solutions for infrastructure.
