In the past, True Activist reported on a number of 3D-printed innovations, including houses, prosthetics, and even candy (yes, we’re serious). Now, a 3D-printed bridge has been constructed in Milan, and it’s the first-of-its-kind in the entire world!
According to Inhabitat, a 40-foot-long bridge can now be found in the park of Castilla-La Mancha in Alcobendas, just south of Madrid in Spain. Made of eight parts fused by concrete powder and micro-reinforced with thermoplastic polypropylene, it’s both sturdy and intriguing to the eye.
Reportedly, the bridge was developed by the Institute of Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, an education and research center based in Barcelona, Spain. A number of architects, mechanical and structural engineers and municipal representatives collaborated on the project.
Enrico Dini can be credited with carrying out most of the work. The firm developed D-Shape, a massive 3D printer that is the first (and likely the only) of its kind, as it binds sand into multiple layers of solid rock. Reportedly, the IAAC is calling the Alcobendas bridge a civil-engineering first, and has deemed it a “milestone for the construction sector at international level.”
Another key influencer in the bridge’s design was mother nature herself. The IAAC utilized parametric modeling to reflect the “complexities of nature’s forms” and to ensure the best distribution of raw materials. Reportedly, this resulted in less waste and enhanced stability.
The institute announced:
“The computational design also allows to maximize the structural performance, being able to dispose the material only where it is needed, with total freedom of forms, maintaining the porosity thanks to the application of generative algorithms and challenging the traditional techniques of construction.”
Following are some photos of the first 3D-printed bridge in the world:
What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!
This article (World’s First 3D-Printed Pedestrian Bridge Installed In Milan) is free and open source. You have permission to republish this article under a Creative Commons license with attribution to the author and TrueActivist.com
