What is being claimed as the world's first 3D printed concrete bridge was open on Oct.17 in the Netherlands, Dutch broadcaster NOS reported.

Photo:A cyclist crosses the 3D-printed concrete bridge in Gemert.(Bart Maat/EPA)

The eight-metre bridge, primarily meant to be used by cyclists, spans a water-filled ditch to connect two roads. It was tested for safety to bear loads of up to two tonnes. 

The bridge, printed in 1cm layers of concrete, is a joint production between students at Eindhoven University of Technology and construction group BAM Infra.

Work on printing the bridge, which has some 800 layers, took about three months after starting in June and it is made of reinforced, pre-stressed concrete, according to Theo Salet, from the Eindhoven University of Technology.

Photo: The world's first 3D printed concrete bridge 

"With 3D printing, you have more flexibility regarding the shape of the product," BAM director Marinus Schimmel told media, "In addition, 3D printing a bridge is also incredibly efficient.. you need less concrete and there are no CO2 emissions."

The Netherlands is among countries, with the United States and China, taking a lead in the cutting-edge technology of 3D printing, using computers and robotics to construct objects and structures from scratch.