Abstract

Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a method of metal 3D printing that is suited to the requirements of the construction industry in terms of scale, speed and cost. Using this technology, a 10.5 m span footbridge, the first of its kind, has been constructed. The testing, analysis and verification of the bridge and its components are described in this presentation [1]. The experiments performed have included material testing, compressive testing of cross-sections and full-scale load testing of the bridge, and have featured the use of 3D laser scanning and Digital Image Correlation. Parallel finite element modelling of the full bridge and its constituent elements has also been performed as part of the verification. The project highlights the potential for metal 3D printing in structural engineering, as well as the challenges and necessary considerations for design.

[1] Gardner, L., Kyvelou, P., Herbert, G. and Buchanan, C. (2020). Testing and initial verification of the world’s first metal 3D printed bridge. Journal of Constructional Steel Research. 172, 106233.