Optimized geometry
CIM UPC developed the topology optimization and structural calculation of the pedestrian bridge.
Civil works · Structural element · 3D concrete printing
Pilot pedestrian bridge 3D printed in concrete for CIM UPC
A lightweight infrastructure demonstrator developed through topology optimization, structural calculation and Design for Additive Manufacturing, produced by Aridditive using 3D concrete printing.
Technical context
From structural optimization to a manufacturable element
The project explored the potential of additive manufacturing in concrete to produce more efficient structural elements, reducing material through topology optimization and translating complex geometries into a manufacturable construction system.
CIM UPC researchers developed the topology optimization, structural calculation, connection design and technical validation of the concept. Aridditive contributed Design for Manufacturing, adapting the geometry to the real 3D concrete printing process and defining a production strategy compatible with manufacturing, handling and assembly constraints.
Project video
Pedestrian bridge manufactured through 3D concrete printing
The video summarizes the full workflow: digital development, path planning, section printing, post-reinforcement, installation and assembly of the pilot pedestrian bridge.
Design for Additive Manufacturing
DFAM applied to a structural civil works element
Aridditive’s work focused on transforming the structural concept into a printable system: sections, toolpaths, printing orientation, layer continuity and production feasibility.
Sectioning
The geometry was divided into four printable modules, considering manufacturing, handling and assembly.
Path planning
Alternative toolpath strategies were evaluated to ensure continuity, layer stability and geometric accuracy.
Manufacturing
Aridditive printed the sections and prepared the subsequent reinforcement, stiffening and assembly process.
Digital development
Sections, meshes and printing simulation
The digital phase made it possible to study path planning alternatives and adapt the structural geometry to a real 3D concrete printing process.
Additive manufacturing
3D printing of the bridge sections
The bridge sections were manufactured using Aridditive’s 3D concrete printer. The process made it possible to materialize a non-conventional geometry designed to reduce mass and concentrate material where it was structurally needed.
Printing was approached as part of a complete construction system: module manufacturing, geometric control, post-reinforcement, integration of connection points and final assembly of the four sections.
In-plant production
Printing, reinforcement and connection preparation
After printing, some areas of the sections were reinforced through steel post-reinforcement and localized concreting of structural ribs, integrating the connection points required for bridge assembly.
Assembly
Four printed sections for an assembled pedestrian bridge
The bridge was developed through four printed and subsequently assembled sections. This strategy made it possible to manufacture complex geometries in a controlled environment, facilitate module handling and prepare the final assembly of the system.
The post-processing phase incorporated passive steel reinforcement, localized concreting and connection systems between modules to ensure force transfer, geometric alignment and continuity of the assembled element.
Installation and result
From manufactured element to assembled demonstrator
The project culminated with the installation of the sections and the assembly of the pilot pedestrian bridge, validating the workflow between structural design, additive manufacturing and modular assembly.
“The challenge was not only to print a complex geometry, but to turn an optimized structural solution into a manufacturable, reinforceable, handleable and assemblable system.”Aridditive · Design for Manufacturing in 3D concrete printing
What this project demonstrates
3D concrete printing for special structural elements
The pilot pedestrian bridge demonstrates how additive manufacturing can be integrated into civil engineering workflows, connecting structural optimization, advanced prefabrication and modular assembly.
Material optimization
The structural geometry makes it possible to place material where it provides resistant value, reducing mass compared with conventional solid solutions.
Design for Manufacturing
Adaptation to the printing process turns an advanced design into pieces that are truly manufacturable, controllable and assemblable.
Modular prefabrication
Section-based manufacturing facilitates handling, transport, post-reinforcement and assembly of complex elements in civil works.
Result
A demonstrator of transfer between research and real manufacturing
The project materializes a complete workflow between structural research and additive manufacturing: topology optimization, structural calculation, connection design, Design for Manufacturing, 3D concrete printing, post-reinforcement and assembly.
For Aridditive, this case represents a direct application of its technology in special structural elements, civil works prototypes and lightweight infrastructure, where geometric precision, material reduction and construction feasibility must be solved together.
Tell us about your project
Do you want to take an optimized structural geometry into real manufacturing?
At Aridditive, we help turn advanced designs, structural prototypes and special civil works elements into manufacturable pieces through 3D concrete printing.