Category Archives: News

Three different 3D-printed bicycle bridges next to the N243

Bert Swart, projectmanager for N243 at the Province of North Holland: “3D concrete printing aligns with a sustainable future, where more and more circular building practices are being adopted.”

 

Maintenance and reconstruction of N243

The N243 runs through beautiful polder landscapes. Therefore, several bridges span the waters of that landscape. Bicycle bridges have been placed over the Beemsterringvaart, Vrouwensloot, and Jispersloot along the Schermerhornerweg (N243) to make the road safer for cyclists. These were printed with concrete in the 3D concrete printing factory of Saint-Gobain Weber. The world’s highest 3D printed structure was previously printed here. Thanks to this innovative technique, less material is needed, and less material means reduced CO2 emissions. The 3D concrete printing technique offers further benefits. Less waste was produced during the construction process because no formwork was needed. And fewer tasks and steps were required on the construction site, resulting in significant time savings. Ultimately, special bridge railings with texts paying tribute to the Beemster and Schermer will be installed. The bridges, designed by Witteveen en Bos, do not contain reinforcement and are a perfect example of the design freedom and production speed that 3D concrete printing offers.

 

Inauguration on Friday, September 29

Deputy Jeroen Olthof of the Province of North Holland, Hein Jan Bocxe (CEO of BAM Infra Nederland), Bas Huysmans (CEO of Weber Benelux), and Willem Messchaert (dikeologist and writer of texts) performed the official opening ceremony on September 29. In the coming period, some final works will be carried out, after which the bridges will be fully ready and will enrich the landscape in all their glory for decades to come.

3D printing already in reach

On January 15, 2019, Weber Beamix opened Europe’s first commercial, industrial production site for 3D printing of concrete elements for construction in Eindhoven. Today, production is in full swing. Various components are being printed and fielded. There is even a second permanent production facility in Europe, a mobile factory for rental and a fixed product portfolio including custom-made slope stairs.

Set of 1

According to Pieter Bakker, 3D printing of concrete mortar makes individual serial production possible. This creates a huge increase in design freedom. Pieter: “The magic word is smarter construction, including parametric design. This is a process in which models or designs are automatically generated based on parameters, such as dimensions, material thickness or geometry. The print robot can vary endlessly based on different parameters. For example, you can give all the columns of a bridge or viaduct a different shape. Moreover, the printer only lays concrete where it is needed for structural strength. We therefore achieve savings of 30 to 40 percent. Formwork is also no longer needed, so there is also no waste.”

The printed elements for the outflow basin on transport.

Furthermore, according to Pieter, the whole process is faster and the margin of error decreases. During the design process, everyone is looking at the same design. Changes are immediately calculated and applied digitally. “You press ‘Ctrl+P’ at the end, so to speak, and the printer immediately starts production. For the construction site, the most important thing is that less time is needed on site, so also less man hours. This means faster, but also safer work, and construction becomes more attractive to young people through automation and robotisation. Another advantage is that you need fewer people on the construction site, which is important in these times of scarcity of skilled workers.”

Future

Pieter Bakker concludes, “I am convinced that 3D concrete printing is claiming its place in the market. The technology is no longer in its infancy, but we also really have plenty of challenges ahead of us.”

Click here to read the whole article (in Dutch)

Discover our newest 3D printed slopestairs

Did you know that 3D printed slopestairs have a lot of advantages? The biggest advantage is CO2-reduction because this slopestair has a 60% lower footprint instead of regular prefab staircases. In addition, we do not use reinforcement steel and less concrete is used by printing ‘hollow’ steps. 

 

Below we show you three project we have released last months. These examples truly showcase the value of 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP).

Slopestairs - Bitgum | 3D.Weber

Slopestairs in Bitgum

Three 3D printed slope stairs have been installed in the Frisian village of Bitgum. The stairs are placed in three different places by Cnossen Infra BV.

Slopestairs in Brielle

Leander Mackloet of Waterschap Hollandse Delta commissioned new slopestairs. The staircase leads to the control box of a pumping station.
3D printed slopestairs Brielle
3D printed slopestairs in Saambeek

Slopestairs in Saambeek

Wim Van der aa of contracting company Gebr van der Aa bv placed a staircase at a pumping station for the Water Board Aa en Maas.

Advantages of a 3D printed slope staircase:

– 30% Cheaper than regular prefab staircases;

– Delivered within two weeks;

– Tailor made;

– More than 50% more sustainable than regular prefab staircases;

– Very easy to handle and assemble;

– Fully comply with the dutch building regislations, we can tailor make the staircase bases on local regislations.

 

Are 3D printed slopestairs the fitting solution for your project? Or do you want to know more about the possibilties of 3D printed slopestairs? Request our infopaper or contact our projectleader Pieter Bakker:  06-51868615 or pieter.bakker@weberbeamix.nl.

Receive infopaper 3D-printed slopestairs

Vacancy: (Jr.) MarCom Lead – 3D Concrete Printing (24-32 hrs.)

3D Concrete Printing:

The printing of 3D concrete elements is a growing market at home and abroad where innovation is in full swing. In our 3D factory, a wide range of products are printed for various applications.

   

Do you get excited by:

  • Online marketing;
  • The possibility to join a young team with high, global ambitions;
  • Develop and conquer new markets;
  • Develop and organize campaigns, content and events;
  • Track and analyze data to improve and become better every time;
  • Working in an agile environment.

 

Do you recognize yourself in?

  • HBO level of education (Marketing Communication);
  • Able to create, guide and execute the MarCom plan;
  • Experience and affinity with online marketing (and its tools);
  • Website and content development;
  • Experience with data analytics;
  • Experience and affinity with a global role;
  • Knowledge of 3D printing is a big plus;
  • English copy writing skills;
  • Able to travel in and outside the Netherlands.

 

Yes? Then we have a match!

Do you have the right talents and energy to get the most out of this position? Then we would like to meet you and hear how you want to use your energy and talents. In addition, we would like to take the opportunity to tell you more about our great company, the position and terms of employment, such as:

  • Salary based on your experiences and maturity;
  • 25 leave and 6 ADV days;
  • Excellent pension provision;
  • Max. 10% bonus of your year salary;
  • Monthly sports allowance;
  • Availability of weekly chair massage and free fruit;
  • A wide range of training and career opportunities within Saint-Gobain;
  • And above all: a pleasant no-nonsense working atmosphere with Brabant’s pleasant atmosphere. Join us!

 

Interested? Nice!

We would like to receive your short motivation and CV, before August 1st  2023, for the attention of Bette van Bree. You can apply via the application form.

 

Learn more about this feature: 

Peter Paul Cornelissen

Business Unit Manager 3D Printing

Phone: +31 6 282 510 30

Vacancy: Operator- 3D Concrete Printing

3D Concrete Printing:

The printing of 3D concrete elements is a growing market at home and abroad where innovation is in full swing. In our 3D factory, a wide range of products are printed for various applications.

   

Do you get challenged by:

  •  
  • Being able to operate machinery both in a production and R&D environment;
  • Organizing and keeping track of stock in the warehouse;
  • Working on various commercial projects with 3D concrete printing;
  • Participating in developing of 3D concrete printing process;
  • Working in an agile environment;
  • Delivering high quality products in repeatable process.

 

Do you recognize yourself in?

  •  
  • You have a MBO(+) level; 
  • Experience and affinity in technical production environment;
  • Able to work accurate for process quality control; 
  • Eager to learn and work with new and existing technologies;
  • Pragmatic and hands-on in a fast moving technological environment;
  • Good level of the English language and Dutch language;
  • Able to travel (short periods) for projects in and outside the Netherlands;
  • Knowledge of 3D printing, robotics, pumping and/or mixing is a plus; 
  • In possession of a forklift license or willing to get one.

 

Yes? Then we have a match!

 

Do you have the right talents and energy to get the most out of the position of Operator -3D Concrete Printing? Then we would like to meet you and hear how you want to use your energy and talents. In addition, we would like to take the opportunity to tell you more about our great company, the position and terms of employment, such as: Salary based on your experiences and maturity (range € 2.586 – € 3.771), 25 leave and 6 ADV days, excellent pension provision, max. 10% bonus of your year salary, monthly sports allowance and A wide range of training and career opportunities within Saint-Gobain.

 

Interested? Nice!

We would like to receive your short motivation and CV, before June 30th  2023, for the attention of Eline Quist. You can apply via the application form.

 

Learn more about this feature: 

Jakub Pawlowicz 
Email: Jakub.Pawlowicz@saint-gobain.com

Phone: +31 40 259 7911

Vacature: 3D Sales projectleider BNL

3D beton printen en jouw rol hierin:

Het printen van 3D betonnen elementen is een groeiende markt in binnen- en buitenland waar volop wordt geïnnoveerd. In onze 3D fabriek wordt een breed scala aan producten geprint voor diverse toepassingen.

 

Om deze markt te bedienen en de vraag en ons aanbod op elkaar af te stemmen ga jij als 3D Projectleider aan de slag in Nederland en België. De functie is breed: van acquisitie tot oplevering.

   

Krijg jij energie van:

  • Het opstellen en realiseren van een ambitieus verkoopplan voor onze 3D producten en projecten, zowel in Nederland als in België;
  • Ontwikkelen en ontdekken van de markt;
  • Het geven van presentaties en rondleidingen aan potentiële klanten;
  • Het bezoeken van (nieuwe) klanten, zoals gemeenten en innovatieve ondernemers om onze 3D printtechnologie onder de aandacht te brengen, het zorgdragen voor offertes en het afsluiten van de deal;
  • Het waarborgen en bewaken van de kwaliteit en de planning van de printprojecten;
  • Het signaleren van trends en ontwikkelingen in de Nederlandse en Belgische markt en het inspelen hierop in samenwerking met onze R&D afdeling ten behoeve van verdere 3D innovaties.

 

Beschik jij over de benodigde kennis en opleiding?

  • HBO werk- en denkniveau, bij voorkeur commerciële richting
  • Projectmanagement
  • Ervaring met de verkoop van projecten of oplossingen
  • Uitstekende commerciële en onderhandelingsvaardigheden
  • Gesprekspartner kunnen zijn voor aannemers
  • Sterke organisatorische en administratieve vaardigheden
  • Marketing gerelateerde activiteiten
  • Je beheersing van de Nederlandse en Engelse taal is uitstekend. Frans en Duits is een pré.

 

Je bent gelokaliseerd in Eindhoven en reist ca. 30% van je tijd binnen heel Nederland en België.

 

Ja? Dan hebben wij een match!

 

Denk je dat deze functie bij jou past? Dan maken we graag met je kennis, zodat we allebei kunnen ervaren of het tussen ons klikt. We horen graag hoe jij jouw energie en talenten in wilt zetten. Daarnaast maken wij graag van de gelegenheid gebruik om meer te vertellen over deze functie en ons mooie bedrijf. Denk o.a. aan onze goede arbeidsvoorwaarden, zoals een marktconform salaris 25 verlof- en 6 ADV-dagen, uitstekende pensioenvoorziening, max. 10% bonus, sportvergoeding en een groot scala opleidingen binnen Saint-Gobain.

 

Interesse? Mooi!

We ontvangen graag je korte motivatie en CV  t.a.v. Eline Quist. Je kan solliciteren via het sollicitatieformulier.

 

Meer informatie over deze functie:

Pieter Bakker, 3D Projectleider,

Telefoonnummer: 06-5186 8615

Will you be our next intern?

Looking for an exciting internship opportunity? Join our team at Weber 3D Concrete Printing Factory!

As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience in the cutting-edge field of 3D concrete printing. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals and learn about the latest technology and techniques used in the industry. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to real projects and see your work come to life.


If you’re passionate about construction and technology, this is the internship for you. Apply now and take the first step in your career in 3D concrete printing.

We are looking for interns in following areas (HBO):

  • Civil/Architectural Engineering
  • Mechatronics / Mechanical Engineering
  • Data processing

Does this intership match your wishes and expectations? Send your resume and a short introduction to: jakub.pawlowicz@saint-gobain.com.

Modern Burj al-Hamam breaks record at the Floriade

This unique object has earned with this a well-deserved place in the Guinness World Records book. The ‘pigeon tower’ was designed by Dar & the Expo Pavilion group and printed by Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix in Eindhoven.

The Pigeon Tower

The 3D printed Burj al-Hamam pays tribute to the traditionally built pigeon towers in Qatar and is characterized by its special, architectural shape. During the migration season, the tower provides a shelter for more than a thousand pigeons. At the same time, it provides an ecological way of farming. Thanks to the clever construction, the pigeon droppings can be collected and used as fertilizer for local farms. Visitors to the Floriade can also get to know the 3D printed structure and construction inside and up close. Since many wild pigeons now gratefully use the tower, access is of course entirely at your own risk.

Groundbreaking design


The Burj al-Hamam was built without steel reinforcement or poured concrete. At 12.1 meters it is the highest 3D printed tower in the world. This is confirmed by a measurement by an official of Guinness World Records. To further reduce the carbon footprint, Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix has significantly reduced the energy requirement of the production process and the amount of material. As a result, up to 60% less CO2 was emitted for the towers than with the traditional way of building. In this way, the Weber Beamix concrete printing factory has pushed the boundaries of concrete printing even further.

 

Tower specifications

 

Total No. elements             65 pcs

Weight                                  56 tons

Volume                                 26 m3

Print time                             107 hours

3DCP mortar                        W160-3D

3DCP Factory                       Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix Eindhoven

Design                                   Dar & Expo Pavilion group

Construction Eng.               Witteveen+Bos

3DCP Eng.                             Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix

Constructor                          KPM3

3D printed Burj al-Hamam steals the show at the Floriade

One of the most striking objects at the Floriade Expo 2022 in Almere is presented by Qatar: a 3D printed modern version of the Burj al-Hamam. This ‘pigeon tower’ was designed by Dar & the Expo Pavillion group and printed by Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix in Eindhoven.

The Pigeon Tower

 

The 3D printed Burj al-Hamam pays tribute to the traditionally built pigeon towers in Qatar and is characterized by its special, architectural shape. During the migration season, the tower provides a shelter for more than a thousand pigeons. At the same time, it provides an ecological way of farming. Thanks to the clever construction, the pigeon droppings can be collected and used as fertilizer for local farms. Visitors to the Floriade can also get to know the 3D printed structure and construction inside and up close. Since many wild pigeons now gratefully use the tower, access is of course entirely at your own risk.

Groundbreaking design

 

The Burj al-Hamam was built without steel reinforcement or poured concrete. The 3D printed construction provides an automated way to build the design of the towers. To further reduce the CO2 footprint, Weber has considerably reduced the energy requirement of the production process and the amount of material. As a result, up to 60% less CO2 was emitted for the towers than with the traditional way of building. In this way, the Weber Beamix Concrete Print Factory has pushed the boundaries of concrete printing even further.

For more information about the 3D concrete printing factory of Saint-Gobain Weber Beamix BV, please contact:


Peter Paul Cornelissen
International 3D Project Manager
T: +31 (0)40 259 79 11
E-mail: peterpaul.cornelissen@saint-gobain.com
www.3d.weber

Weber Beamix prints the longest 3D-printed concrete bicycle bridge in the world

The bridge was printed layer by layer in the concrete printing factory of Saint Gobain Weber Beamix and realised by the construction group BAM. It is not only the longest, but also the largest concrete bridge in the world for which the architect had complete freedom. Michiel van der Kley was able to work freely on the design and was not restricted by the material or traditional processes, such as concrete formwork.

Because the span is not constant everywhere and therefore the changing weight of the structure had to be taken into account, the choice was made to divide the bridge into printable parts. A parametric model – based on data – was used to generate the final design.

Faster and more flexible

In theory, printed bridges can be built much faster than ordinary bridges, with more flexibility and more room for personalised designs. They are also more sustainable, as less concrete is needed. The ambition of the partners in this innovative project is for 3D concrete printing to eventually become a sustainable construction method that can be used for the production of bridges and houses, among other things.

That is also the reason why Rijkswaterstaat, together with designer Van der Kley, took the initiative for this project. They donated this special bridge as a permanent reminder to the municipality of Nijmegen in honour of its election as European Green Capital 2018.

Unique bicycle bridge

The project is unique because the bicycle bridge has been designed with complete freedom of form, thanks to research at Eindhoven University of Technology and the further development of 3D concrete printing technology. The new appearance in de Geologenstrook park is characterised by its round and wavy shapes. 

Bas Huysmans, CEO of Saint Gobain Weber Benelux: “This 3D-production technique delivers savings of up to 50 percent in materials, because the printer only deposits concrete where it is needed for structural strength. 3D technology is maturing and is becoming a serious option for faster, more sustainable and cheaper construction of, for example, bicycle and pedestrian bridges.” 

Theo Salet, professor of Concrete Structures, TU Eindhoven: “The printing of concrete has enormous growth potential. We use less raw materials and can drastically increase the construction speed. In the future, we want to make concrete more sustainable and also reuse it. There is much more to achieve. I am also proud that the knowledge developed has found its way to the industry so quickly.” 

Alderman Bert Velthuis, Nijmegen City Council: “The city of Nijmegen is very honoured to receive this innovative 3D-printed bridge. We are a city of bridges, and this special, innovative bridge is a wonderful addition. The bridge leads to connection: in the design and construction phase it connected the different partners, and from now on the bridge connects our residents.”

Michiel van der Kley, designer: “I found it especially important to show where we stand with 3D-printing technology. The design is inspired by a shape that arises in nature because it has to absorb a certain force in the most efficient way, and now translated into a digital process. With this shape we have made 3D-printing of concrete objects more interesting again. ”