Emergency Response Mobile 3d Printing System: A Case Study in Rapid Manufacturing of Polyurethane Foam Bridges

Abstract

This case study describes a PF3DP mobile construction system that can be used for emergency response. The PF3DP system integrates a drone-based 3D reconstruction workflow, a lightweight mobile robotic platform (MCP), and a fast-curing polyurethane foam for on-site fabrication in less than 20 minutes. A functional demonstration bridge structure model was printed and validated through finite element simulation (FEA) and field testing. FEA simulations confirmed the bridge's theoretical load-bearing capacity of 42,552 Newtons (equivalent to 40 adults), while field tests verified that the bridge could safely carry four adults (2,600 Newtons) without deformation, meeting the requirements for immediate pedestrian evacuation in the event of a disaster. This work provides a replicable template for the deployment of temporary infrastructure in disaster-affected areas, with the potential to be extended to shelters, flood barriers, and medical facilities.

Keywords: Polyurethane foam 3D printing(PF3DP), Emergency response construction, 3D reconstruction, finite element analysis(FEA), mobile construction platform(MCP)