MIT researchers developed glass bricks with the same strength as concrete blocks

Novel research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) demonstrates that 3D-printed glass bricks can be structurally sound, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional bricks and reducing carbon emissions. This groundbreaking method has the potential to revolutionize the construction sector by promoting circular construction, where materials are reused to minimize waste. They suggest that glass bricks could revolutionize construction, as these bricks can be assembled and disassembled like LEGO pieces. They need to find more sustainable materials for buildings and structures due to the high carbon emissions from the traditional materials that have been used until now.

The glass bricks are figure-eight shaped to interlock with one another, as Lego pieces, and effectively distribute stress, hence, this shape ensures that the structure will be stable. In addition, after extensive mechanical tests with industrial hydraulic presses, researchers concluded that the glass bricks are as strong as the concrete blocks as they withstood the same pressure and forces. The Assistant Professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, Becker, claims that glass can be reused repeatedly if it is kept in its pure form. He also added, that due to this glass feature they can make materials that can be reused indefinitely.

Researchers also described in their study the process that they are using to create the glass bricks, that is beginning with crushed bottles. Afterwards they melt the glass pieces in a specialized furnace before they load the Glass 3D Printer 3 (G3DP3). G3DP3 is an advanced machine that is developed by Evenline. The printer then constructs the glass into precise layers that shape the figure-eight bricks.

Moreover, the research team added an extra feature that is made from different material and attached it at the bottom of the bricks to address any structural issue and maximize the interlocking capabilities of the bricks.

According to the researchers, they argue that now they have tested the durability and the stability of the glass bricks in a safe environment. Therefore, they are planning to adapt this technology for larger infrastructures and if they succeed, they want to integrate the 3D-printed glass bricks onto real construction projects.

In all, this innovative research is emphasizing the need to stride to cleaner building practices, that in the future will lead to net zero carbon emissions from construction processes. In addition, the ability of these bricks to be easily assembled and disassembled enables buildings to be relocated with minimal effort, significantly reducing waste when relocation becomes necessary.