Researchers around the world use 3D printing to make various products. Usually we think of 3D printing used for small plastic items, such as parts for cars and other small components for prototype devices. However, engineers are investigating and using 3D printing to build a far greater structure in the construction industry.
Researchers from Et Zürich recently worked with engineers from Block Research Group and Zaha Hadid Architects, and other partners to make attractive 3D print concrete bridges in Venice. One of the more interesting aspects of the 3D print concrete bridge is that it does not have reinforcements in it. The team said millions of new buildings around the world were built using reinforced concrete despite the fact that construction produced a large number of CO2 emissions.
Steel used for reinforcement and cement is known for some of the largest CO2 pollutants in the world. The 3D printing bridge project shows how to reduce CO2 emissions from cement and steel production in real-world projects. This project is a curved bridge 12 times 16 meters placed in the venice park built completely without reinforcement.
This bridge is called Stratatus and is made using an additive process that displays the concrete block that forms a traditional masonry bridge arch. The special structure of compression allows the power to travel to the footing, which is tied together on the ground. The researchers recorded stable dry assembled construction because of the geometry.
The 3D printed concrete is a completely new type developed by researchers with assistance from the company called Incrementer3D. Instead of being applied horizontally as traditional with concrete construction, the material is applied at a certain angle, so orthogonal to the flow of press strength. The pattern makes the print layer in the block pressed together without requiring strengthening or post-tensioning. In addition, the structure does not require mortars that allow blocks to be dismantled so that the bridge can be re-installed in different locations. If the bridge is no longer needed, the material can be separated and recycled.
