Singapore’s First 3D Printed Pedestrian Bridge Is Coming Soon

It won’t be built for another two years, but it’s already generating buzz! The first 3D-printed pedestrian bridge in Singapore is slated to be unveiled in 2028, spanning the Jurong River and connecting two new residential districts. This project, led by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in collaboration with the Singapore Centre for 3D Printing at Nanyang Technological University, aims to address the labor shortages plaguing the construction industry.

The bridge is expected to be 10 meters long and 5 meters wide. It’s the culmination of several years of research, as the project began in January 2023, with an investment of over $1.4 million. A mixture of concrete, sand, and water has been developed to be extruded by a robotic arm.

The future bridge will be made up of several 3D printed blocks (photo credits: Kok Hun Goh)

The bridge is composed of 10 segments, or blocks, which are printed and then assembled. Each segment requires four hours of printing and offers a 50% reduction in labor. These blocks interlock using high-strength steel cables. The duration of this assembly stage has not been specified.

The project is further proof of the advantages offered by 3D concrete printing. It allows for greater geometric freedom while significantly optimizing costs and labor. In any case, it will serve to test the feasibility of the technology: if the trials are successful, Singapore could find other applications.

The different blocks are assembled using steel cables (photo credits: Kok Hun Goh)

A 3D-printed model of the bridge was successfully tested.

The teams recently conducted tests on a scale model. A few days ago, a smaller version of the bridge was 3D printed (only 2.5 meters wide) and tested. Eighteen tanks, each filled with one ton of water, were placed on the bridge to evaluate its performance in terms of safety and strength. The LTA added:

“Testing of the scale model has been completed, and data collected from the sensors will now be analysed to validate theoretical design calculations and to ensure structural integrity. If results are favourable, we will proceed to construct the full-size bridge, which will undergo similar assessments before opening.”

We will keep you updated on the progress of this project! In the meantime, please feel free to share your comments with us on the role of 3D concrete printing in the construction sector! Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn or Facebook pages! Plus, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter to get the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox. You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel. 

*Cover Photo: Illustration of the future 3D printed bridge installed in Singapore (credits : LTA)