Eindhoven can be proud of yet another first: the first bridge of bio composite will be constructed here in Eindhoven. The bridge will be constructed over de Dommel. And the bridge will be revealed during Dutch Design Week. Amongst many others, students of the TU/e, HZ and also Avans have collaborated on this special project.
The bio composite for the bridge is made from a mixture of flax-and hemp fibres held together with a resin. This is constructed around a core of PLA-foam, a sort of bio foam.
Years of research has been conducted to investigate the possible applications of bio composite. Students of both the Avans and HZ (Zeeland) University of Applied Science have collaborated amongst others. And the bridge over the Dommel is one of the applications. Students of TU/e have also collaborated in terms of testing the materials by means of computer models which they at times had to design specifically for the project.
The first trial piece measuring two metres long has been completed. The final bridge has to have a total length of fourteen meters, and the bridge is attended for pedestrians only.
Source: Studio040
Translator: Jennifer den Dekker
