Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have innovated a groundbreaking glass block that rivals the structural integrity of conventional concrete masonry.
By repurposing recycled glass, the researchers have designed a building block that promotes modular construction, reminiscent of interlocking Lego pieces.
Embracing Recycling in Construction
The introduction of these glass blocks represents a move towards ‘circular construction,’ a system where building materials see perpetual reuse. “Glass is wonderfully recyclable,” explained MIT’s Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and study co-author, Kaitlyn Becker. She highlighted that these blocks could be taken apart, remodeled, or reshaped, aligning with a commitment to sustainable construction practices.
The building sector, which is grappling with its carbon footprint, has been under pressure to cut down on the embedded carbon in construction materials. The MIT team’s decision to turn to glass as a less conventional but more eco-friendly structural element is a bold stance towards this end. “Using glass as a load-bearing material certainly confounds expectations,” noted Michael Stern, an MIT alum and contributor to the project.
Groundbreaking Design and Material Use
Shaped similar to the number eight, the glass blocks are made to be versatile and interlock with ease, enabling simple construction. “The geometry of the eight allows us to lock the bricks together while also building curved walls,” stated Daniel Massimino, the primary author of the research.
At the heart of their creation is the Glass 3D Printer 3 (G3DP3), an innovative device that melts down crushed glass, enabling it to be 3D printed into functional layers to form the bricks. Becker is enthusiastic about further exploring the manufacturing and design possibilities for unconventional materials like glass.
Demonstrating Strength and Multifaceted Use
When put to the test with an industrial-grade hydraulic press, the glass blocks displayed an ability to withstand forces on par with traditional concrete blocks, thanks to an extra interlocking feature crafted from an alternate material. The performance of these first-generation blocks hints at considerable promise for their role in eco-friendly building projects.
An illustrative wall constructed solely from these glass blocks stands in MIT’s Killian Court, exemplifying the practicality of these materials. The team looks forward to constructing larger, freestanding glass structures. “We’re gaining insight into the capabilities of the material and strategizing on larger scale uses,” Stern conveyed, indicating the project’s expansive trajectory.
The team’s findings have been meticulously chronicled in a paper titled “Additive manufacturing of interlocking glass masonry units,” published in the journal Glass Structures and Engineering. The research reveals a promising path for adopting sustainable and adaptable construction techniques.
