Vertico, a Netherlands-based 3D concrete printing specialist, has collaborated with theUniversity of Ghentto 3D print an optimized and material efficient footbridge. The firm minimized the materials used in the construction of the bridge by 60 percent through its concrete 3D printing process.
Despite using less material, 3D printing helped to create optimized structures still able to withstand the same stresses as a traditionally manufactured bridge. By constructing the bridge, Vertico aims to highlight the advantages 3D concrete printing has to offer for the building industry.
“This bridge showcases the range of possibilities that 3D concrete printing offers,” explained Volker Ruitinga, founder of Vertico.
“At Vertico, we believe that this technology is the key to unlocking material optimisation in structures, reducing CO2 emissions whilst simultaneously increasing productivity in the construction industry”
3D printing and the construction industry
Located in Utrecht, Vertico aims to promote and utilize 3D printing for the production of parametrically & topologically optimized structures.
The company offers various services towards this end, including live 3D concrete printing for events and conferences using its mobile demonstration 3D printer, the EVA M-1 compact. Vertico has also developed its own integrated robotic 3D printer and specially designed concrete mixture layer, which is available to customers for large and small-scale projects.
Furthermore, the company is a reseller of3D gantry concrete printersfrom robotic and handling system manufacturerRohaco。As well as the two concrete 3D printers, Vertico also offers a full-service range including 3D design, construction calculations, programming, realisation and transport for customers’ projects.
Vertico认为，3D混凝土印刷可以为建筑行业提供急需的自动化和创新，以应对其生产率不佳和高二氧化碳排放量。借助3D打印的人行天桥，它希望以相关且重要的规模证明该技术的可能性
Structurally optimized objects reduce material use, and therefore CO2, however they require complex, organic shapes that are costly to build using traditional construction techniques. These shapes can only be realised cost-effectively using 3D printing, according to Vertico, which is able to deposit concrete mixture layer-by-layer with form freedom and without the need for moulds.
Building bridges using 3D printing
正如Vertico指出的那样，越来越多地认识到3D混凝土印刷在建筑物和基础设施项目中的优势。尽管该公司的目标是强调这些优势，但该公司绝不是第一个利用3D打印来建造桥梁的人。
Amsterdam-based Robotic Additive Manufacturing (RAM) technology developerMX3Dhas been engaged in an ongoing project over the last four years to construct a3D印刷不锈钢桥。该桥计划在阿姆斯特丹中心的Oudezijds Achterburgwal运河上安装，并将与smart technology using a sensor networkand digital twin to monitor the bridge’s health in real-time.
Recently,皇家HaskoningDHV, a Netherlands-headquartered engineering consultancy firm, partnered with global science-based company and material producerDSM, and large-scale 3D printer supplierCEADto help build a 3D printed bridge. The fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) pedestrian bridge similarly has sensors included in its design to help predict and optimize its maintenance.
订阅3D Printing Industry newsletterfor the latest news in additive manufacturing. You can also stay connected by following us onTwitterand liking us onFacebook.
Looking for a career in additive manufacturing? Visit3D Printing Jobsfor a selection of roles in the industry.
Featured image shows people standing on Vertico’s 3D printed footbridge. Photo via Vertico.
