3D PRINTED URBAN STRUCTURES

ARCHITECTURE : 3D PRINTED URBAN STRUCTURES

Robotic 3D Printed Modified Plastic Footbridges on Display at Tongji University:

When we talk about 3D printed bridges, they’re usually made out of heavy construction materials, like concrete or steel. But recently, Tongji University’s College of Architecture and Urban Planning (CAUP) unveiled the first robotic 3D printed bridges, which were made using modified plastic. The two black footbridges, which span 4 meters and 11 meters. This event definitely seems to breed 3D printing innovation: a team attending the workshop in 2015 developed a 6-axis robotic 3D printer that was inspired by spiderwebs, and the Silky Concrete project from Beijing’s Silk Project spatial lab was also a result of the workshop.

Based on the principle of traditional three-dimensional printing, the possibility and feasibility of three-dimensional printing of building scale are explored in combination with structural performance design. Using the robot three-dimensional printing to realize the batch production of custom unit, we complete two pieces by customizing the threedimensional printing module masonry. Three-dimensional printing bridge, span of 4 meters and 11 meters, respectively, to verify the three-dimensional building products, structural stability and reliability.

The robot platform provides a new possibility for the development and implementation of 3D printing technology, which makes the feasibility of applying 3D printing technology to the construction industry, both on a scale and a complex system. The same can be implemented more feasible by hybrid Manufacturing.