Technology

3D-printed footbridge to be built for 2024 Olympics

The contract has been awarded for a 3D-printed concrete footbridge that will be built as part of preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

First US state secures permit for full bridge inspections by drone

The USA’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded the first-ever waiver allowing drones to carry out bridge inspections beyond the line of sight.

Network Rail moves forward with composite footbridge

UK infrastructure operator Network Rail has entered into a partnership to help take forward the investigation, design and construction of a composite footbridge that it plans building.

Researchers assess decade of data from new I-35W bridge

A team from the University of Minnesota has made recommendations for bridge instrumentation after reviewing 10 years of data from the structure that replaced the collapsed I-35W bridge.

Over to you

Asking readers to name the innovation that they believed had had the most impact on the bridge industry in the last 25 years was always going to lead to a variety of responses — but there was a clear winner.

Japanese contractor showcases 3D-printed concrete bridge

An event has been held to display what is claimed to be Japan’s first prestressed concrete bridge structure made using 3D-printed components.

Bridge projects secure funds for innovation trials

The USA’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded grants to 10 road and bridge projects that are aimed at accelerating the uptake of innovative tools and technologies.

Game changer

A new software system for asset management that draws on the expertise of those who operate and maintain Denmark’s largest fixed links is being launched. Helena Russell finds out more.

Fire-resistant coating for composite crossings

A newly launched fire-resistant coating developed especially for composites has found its first bridge application on two fibre-reinforced plastic footbridges in north-west England.

4D BIM tool

Allplan’s latest bridge construction software contains a number of new features that its developers believe make it the first integrated 4D BIM tool for bridges.

Research team develops new salt-resistant concrete mix

Researchers from Brunel University London in the UK have developed a new concrete mix that is claimed to absorb 90% less salt than normal mixes.

Morandi collapse helps researchers develop satellite-based identification of at-risk structures

Analysis using a new high-definition satellite radar system has indicated that the Morandi Bridge in Italy showed signs of warping in the months prior to last year’s collapse.

Danish research targets better anchoring of carbon fibre reinforcement

A research project at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) has resulted in the development of a new anchoring system for carbon fibre reinforcement.

Watch plastic footbridge being printed in China

Materials company Polymaker has released footage of Shanghai Construction Group's 3D printer in the process of producing a 15m-long pedestrian footbridge, which took 30 days to complete and weighs 5,800kg.

Second international interactive symposium on ultra-high-performance concrete

Dutch bridge showcases innovation

A new bridge which was floated into place over a canal in Hengelo features three innovations which were specially designed for the project

Researchers seek to improve formation of Canadian ice bridge

A new report explores possible reasons why the Yukon River in Dawson City has not frozen for the past two winters.

Scotland launches teaching resources based on Forth bridges data

A range of new game-based learning resources has been developed using data gathered from the three major bridges over the Firth of Forth in Scotland.  

Ready for take-off

Rapid developments in drone technology are expected to enable a wider range of applications in the bridge inspection field. Shekhar Scindia, David Day and Matt Bacon reveal the trials being conducted by a bridge owner in the USA

Composites in construction conference