3D concrete printed bridges in North Holland

The Province of North Holland is proactively committed to innovation and sustainability, which is reflected in the planned construction of four 3D concrete printed bicycle bridges. Witteveen+Bos was commissioned by BAM to develop both the architectural and structural design of the bridges. We are also providing advice on the engineering aspects and on testing the 3D concrete printing (3DCP) processes.

Parametric model as basis

The bridges will be integrated into the unique landscape of the Schermer, the Eilandspolder and the Beemster (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). They form a coherent whole while at the same time being individually tailored to each location. The bridges in the Beemster are inspired by the long lines of the open landscape; the bridge over the Ringvaart marks a transition between two landscapes. A single digital parametric 3D model was used as a design tool for all of the bridges.

Preconditions

The project has been divided into a number of phases. In the first phase, the feasibility of the project was closely examined. An inventory of the preconditions that the bridges are required to meet was made, a schedule of requirements for the 3D concrete printing was drawn up, and sketches of the four bicycle bridge designs were made and discussed.

Digital construction

For years, Witteveen+Bos has been innovating in the field of digital construction, including the realisation of the first 3DCP bridge in Gemert, the Vergaderfabriek conference centre in Teuge, and the Project Milestone homes in Eindhoven. By applying our innovative design and construction methods towards realising an actual project, we have helped the province take a step closer to achieving their ambition. It is expected that the bicycle bridges - which will be printed in the print factory of Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix - will be officially opened in the summer of 2022.