The world’s first lightweight 3D printed fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) footbridge will be installed at Kralingse Bos park – the green heart of Rotterdam. This heralds the transition towards the next generation of bridges, offering high performance with extreme versatility, circularity and sustainability.
Royal Haskoning DHV, DSM – a global purpose-led, science-based company in Nutrition, Health and Sustainable Living, and City of Rotterdam, have announced the intention to collaborate in the design and build of the new circular composite footbridge which will be installed in Rotterdam.
Mozafar Said, Asset Manager from the City of Rotterdam, said: “The city of Rotterdam is proud to be a leader in the smart and circular use of composite bridges. Together with Royal HaskoningDHV and DSM, we are continuing to push the frontiers of sustainability for bridges, using thermoplastics which will enable greater circularity.
“The 3D printed FRP footbridge as a circular composite aligns with our city’s ambitious sustainability targets to reduce carbon footprint and promote liveability and we are proud to be the first city to test, print and install it.
“We see the use of composite bridges as a smart solution to replacing our older constructions. With more than 1000 bridges in Rotterdam, we are constantly looking to push the boundaries to develop the next generation of bridges which will be more sustainable and circular with lower maintenance and lifecycle costs.”
The circular composite footbridge is made from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic called Arnite® which combines high performance with circularity.