TU eindhoven's 3D-printed concrete bicycle bridge first of its kind

back in june, the eindhoven university of technology, in collaboration with construction group BAM infrastructure, began construction on a 3D-printed concrete bicycle bridge measuring 8 metres long and 3,5 meters wide. known for its extensive canals and advanced water management systems, there are no shortage of bridges in the netherlands.

BAM infra image of the vision for the completed bridge
image © BAM international

TU eindhoven‘s bridge will be made of printed, pre-stressed, and reinforced concrete, and will be used by cyclists to cross the peelsche loop, a canalized river in the town of gemert. the state-of-the-art 3D printer releases toothpaste-like fluid concrete on the printing plate, forming layer by layer the elements of the bridge.

the bicycle bridge measures 8 metres long and 3,5 meters wide
image © royal BAM group

‘we have a world’s first here,’ explains marinus schimmel, director of BAM. ‘with 3D printing, you have more flexibility regarding the shape of the product. in addition, 3D printing a bridge is also incredibly efficient: you need less concrete, but there is also no need for shuttering where the concrete is normally poured in. you just use exactly what you need, and there is no release of CO2 emissions.’

the concrete bridge is to be 3D printed in several parts (eight one-meter sections)
image © royal BAM group

it will be made of printed, pre-stressed, and reinforced concrete
image © royal BAM group

the bridge is set to be completely installed by the end of september 2017
image © royal BAM group

3D printed allows creators to design with a lot more flexibility and creative freedom
image © royal BAM group

the first part of the bridge has been delivered to the town of germet, and was carried on the back of a massive truck