Firstever 3D Printed FRP Footbridge: An Approach to the Circular Use of Composites
Published on : Sunday 19-07-2020
People witness the installation of the first 3D printed fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) footbridge at Kralingse Bos park – in the Rotterdam City of the Netherlands. This manufacturing of footbridge will lead the global population towards the adoption of advanced technologies for effective and efficient manufacturing. Also, it transforms the nations towards the next generation of bridges, that can withstand extreme versatility, circularity, and sustainability to result in a high-performance structure.
In the global market, the government companies are collaborating with technology companies in the design and manufacturing of a new circular composite footbridge in a different part of the world such as Rotterdam.
Demand for next-generation sustainable infrastructure in Rotterdam City
Rotterdam City is one of the leading smart cities and recognized by different countries of the world. The city is expected to be a leader in the smart and circular use of composite bridges.
The 3D-printed FRP footbridge as a circular composite aligns with our city’s ambitious sustainability targets to reduce carbon footprint and promote liveability and we are proud to be the first city to test, print, and install it.
The use of composite bridges as a smart solution to replacing our older constructions. With more than 1000 bridges in Rotterdam, are constantly looking to push the boundaries to develop the next generation of bridges which will be more sustainable and circular with lower maintenance and lifecycle costs.
The concept of circular composites
The manufacturing of footbridge from the concept circular composite is meant that the manufacturing will be done from a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material, which named Arnite, a mixture of high performance with circularity. Also, the printed circular composite footbridge leads the nation towards the most affordable sustainable and circular type of bridges with minimal wear and tear.
Considering this, this first model made other nations have the new circular composite of recyclable source material along with the required performance properties and make it available to the consumers, along with the environment-friendly design of the infrastructure to the next level to meet the sustainable demand.
FRP-based footbridge solution leads a modern and durable structure
The footbridge will be developed strictly in line with the highest standards of safety for FRP bridge design. The city of Rotterdam infrastructure experts in composite bridges will be closely involved in the design and build process.
Sensors could also be included into the footbridge to build a digital twin of the bridge. The sensors can predict and optimize maintenance, ensuring safety, and extend the life span of the bridge. It is estimated the footbridge will be installed and in use by the end of 2020.