An Italian collaboration between industry and academics has used printed concrete blocks to construct a 6m self-supporting pedestrian bridge prototype based on a design by Leonardo Da Vinci.
Da Vinci’s Bridge is the result of a collaboration between the Polytechnic University of Bari; WASP, a company that specialises in 3D printing; and stone processing specialist B&Y.
Creating the blocks for Da Vinci’s Bridge on a large format 3D printer. Credit: WASP
Going block by block over the centering. Credit: WASP
The 13 blocks that make up the structure were printed on a large format 3D printer set up for cementitious materials. They were then placed over temporary centering to create the arch structure.
The completed structure. Credit: WASP
The design is based on a project by Professor Giuseppe Fallacara, which draws on the great artist’s concept for a self-supporting bridge intended for a site in Istanbul.
The mortar used in Da Vinci’s Bridge is made from waste stone and marble powders with a lime binder.
