The 3D-printed pedestrian bridge in Amsterdam's Red Light District.
Following several years of planning and
research, the world's first 3D printed footbridge is open to the public in Europe.
The 12 m bridge was built by Dutch company MX3D and is serving as a
"living laboratory" in Amsterdam's city center.
Researchers and engineers at Imperial College London were able to
3D-print the bridge — which now serves pedestrians and cyclists crossing
Amsterdam's Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal.
"A 3D-printed metal structure large and strong enough to handle
pedestrian traffic has never been constructed before," said Imperial
College London professor Leroy Gardner in a news release.
"We have tested and simulated the structure and its components
throughout the printing process and upon its completion, and it's fantastic to
see it finally open to the public," Gardner said.
Researchers at Imperial College London are collecting data in real-time to monitor how it behaves with foot and cyclist traffic.
"Research into this new technology for the construction industry
has huge potential for the future," said Imperial College London
co-contributor Dr. Craig Buchanan. "It is fascinating and we are delighted
that the structure is used."
Photo credit Ana Fernandez/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty
From NPR (edited)
