It looks like the world of 3D printing is continuing to expand its spaghetti-like branches into the field of construction. It wasn't long ago when we covered the world's tallest 3D printed building, but the project we have to share today is more on the repair and restoration side. Rather than produce a new structure, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst has been working with researchers at MIT to develop a bridge repair process involving a 3D printing technique called cold spray.
Cold Spray is a 3D printing technique designed to add new deposits of steel to existing beams. Corroded beams are potential candidates for this additive treatment. However, this is still in early development. The process is being applied to real bridges but will need to be evaluated once they're replaced to see how well the structures held up to use.
