Characterising the world’s first metal 3D printed bridge, a talk by Professor Leroy Gardner (Imperial College London)
The Branch AGM will follow this talk and will last approximately 15 minutes, attendees are invited to remain for this meeting.
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 10.5m 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. 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.
Annual General Meeting
IMA members are warmly encouraged to join the London Branch committee, and get involved in shaping branch activities. Anyone interested is urged to get in touch with the Branch Secretary Ken Eames to find out more. A nyone willing to stand for election is asked to submit their name to Ken before the start of the AGM.
Refreshments will be available from 6.00pm in the Skempton Building level 2 concourse (first floor). The lecture will begin at 6.30pm in Skempton Building room 164 (ground floor). The AGM will follow the lecture (beginning at around 7.30pm) and will last approximately 15 minutes, after which attendees are invited to continue conversations in a nearby pub.
Further information
The nearest tube station is South Kensington. Please see the Imperial College website for further travel advice. The Skempton Building is building number 27 on the campus map.
No charge is made to attend meetings; non-IMA members are welcome.
