Zhivopisny Bridge, Moscow, Russia

3D Model of Zhivopisny Bridge, Moscow, Russia

Introduction to the CAD MODEL

This is a 3D scaled-down model of the Zhivopisny Bridge which spans the Moskva River in North-West Moscow. This 3D CAD model was created by CAD FM, a social enterprise CAD Company based in Glasgow, and is available for 3D printing free of charge for educational purposes.

The 3D model was created using CAD software and will prove beneficial for adults or children interested in the construction or features of the Zhivopisny Bridge or in understanding the uses and benefits of CAD modelling.

The CAD modelling software used depicts the features of the bridge in an authentic way and with maximum realism.

Please note that this model is available for educational purposes and that for any technical details of the bridge you should contact the relevant authorities.

3D Model Design

This 3D model of the Zhivopisny Bridge Russia was made using CAD modelling software and neutral files are provided for 3D printing.

Features covered in model

This CAD model of the Zhivopisny Bridge displays the famous arch and the unique ‘S’ shape design as well as the central sphere and arc base.

Difficulties faced

In designing this CAD model of the Zhivopisny Bridge, the most difficult aspect was the internal lattice of the arch aspect of the structure.

This was due to the delicate nature of the lattice in model form. For similar reasons, the guy wires proved challenging too, but the base and the main roadway were relatively simple.

Rendered Images

Available file formats

Here are available file formats

Tips for 3D printing

The smallest feature of the model measures 2 mm, which can easily be printed with any commercially available 3D printer. The complete model can be printed with very low infills.

The model is a single piece, it can be scaled and sliced to create a larger version. If you want to print at a larger scale then you should divide the model up into small individual pieces and print each piece separately.

In this way, the multiple pieces of the model are printed separately and then joined together with glue.

About the Zhivopisny Bridge

The Zhivopisny Bridge is a modern structure which includes a vast red arch, 105 metres high, that dominates the skyline and acts as the main pylon, carrying the weight of the deck via 78 cables.

It is the highest cable-stayed bridge in Europe and is unique in that it is ‘S’ shaped and much of its length runs along the river rather than over it.

The total length of its S-shaped deck is over 1.5 kilometres and includes a main section 409.5 metres in length and 47 metres wide which runs along the centerline of the Moskva River.

It is also known as the Viewing Bridge as it commands beautiful views of the Krylatsky Hills and the forests of Serebryanny Bor. Beneath the arch is a disc like structure which resembles a UFO and was intended to be used as a restaurant.

Due to fire safety concerns and lack of funding the restaurant project was never completed. Moscow is subject to extremes of temperature throughout the changing seasons, which leaves the cities structures prone to corrosion.

To prevent the Zhivopisny Bridge from suffering weather-related damage it has been coated in a bituminous sheeting. This is common practice in bridges across Russia and prevents metal corrosion as well as moisture getting into the concrete and causing damage from within.

History and Construction

The Zhivopisny Bridge was built in the 21^st century. A competition held in the early 2000s asked architects to design a bridge which would combine all parts of Moscow in one.

The winning design was that of Nikolay Shumakov, a graduate of the Moscow Architectural Institute in 1977 and architect of numerous Moscow Metro stations.

When designing the bridge, Shumakov was instructed to come up with a design that joined the three areas of Moscow which were previously separated by the river while ensuring his construction did not encroach into the protected area of Serebryanny Bor.

The iconic arch pylon structure was built using a semi-cantilever approach. The total cost of building the bridge was over 18 billion Rubles ($250 million USD) and had 6 separate insurance policies – one for each stage of the construction process.

On 29^th September 2006, a transverse beam was damaged while one part of the superstructure was being rolled into place. The damage was put down to excessive friction as a result of human error and resulted in an indemnity claim of $280,000 USD.

With no other significant problems, the bridge was opened in 2007.