Vertico constructs optimised 3D concrete printed footbridge

Dutch 3D concrete printing specialist Vertico has teamed up with the University of Ghent to construct an optimised, material efficient footbridge. The company reduced the materials used in the bridge's construction by 60% through its concrete 3D printing process.

Despite using less materials, the additive manufacturing process allowed for the creation of an optimised structure, still able to withstand the same stresses and strains as a traditionally constructed bridge. Through building of the bridge, Vertico is aiming to highlight the advantages that 3D concrete can offer the construction industry.

“This bridge showcases the range of possibilities that 3D concrete printing offers,” explained Volker Ruitinga, founder of Vertico. 

Utrecht-based Vertico aims to promote and utilise 3D printing for construction of parametrically and topologically optimised structures. 

Vertico believes that 3D concrete printing can provide the construction industry with much needed automation and innovation, in order to combat its poor productivity and high CO2 emissions. With the 3D printed footbridge, it hopes to demonstrate the possibilities of the technology on a relevant and significant scale

Structurally optimised objects reduce material use, and therefore CO2, however they require complex, organic shapes that are costly to build using traditional construction techniques. These shapes can only be realised cost-effectively using 3D printing, according to Vertico, which is able to deposit concrete mixture layer-by-layer with form freedom and without the need for moulds. 

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