The world's first steel bridge was created with 3D printing technology, equipped with smart sensors

Recently, engineers from the MX3D company of the Netherlands have completed a 12m long steel bridge designed extremely special, made entirely by robots with advanced 3D printing techniques. The bridge is named The Bridge and is considered the first steel bridge in the world created by 3D printing technology.

Currently, The Bridge will be installed in Amsterdam, preparing for "Dutch Design Week" week. Previously, MX3D had to work with managers in Amsterdam to create a safety standard for bridges because it was created a new and unprecedented construction method anywhere before.

In addition, MX3D's engineering team combined with the British Alan Turing Institute to equip the bridge with a fairly modern sensor network. This helps The Bridge become a smart bridge. When installed and put into use, the sensor network on the bridge will collect data on the flow of people, its surroundings and the structure of the bridge such as deformation, vibration . Based on data This data, engineers will assess the safety of the bridge and provide improvements to build other buildings in the future.

MX3D co-founder Gijs van der Velden said the bridge had passed the test with 30 people standing on it and when fitted with an extra layer of floor, the bridge was even more sturdy.

However, it is not until the middle of next year that The Bridge is installed and put into official use at the intersection of Oudezijds Achterburgwal, which cuts through Stoofsteeg because it has to wait for the canal to be renovated.

Here are some photos of 3D printed steel bridge after completion by engineers from MX3D. The bridge has a length of about 12 meters, is more than 6 meters wide and looks exactly like the two rolled up sheets that are connected by curves.

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