A group of MIT engineers is continuing the experimental use of 3D printing in construction, but using recycled glass this time. Referred to by researchers at the American institute as “reconfigurable masonry,” these bricks were made using a custom machine that can 3D print molten glass developed by MIT's New York spinoff Evenline. The equipment squeezes liquefied glass and stacks it in multiple layers, forming the shape of a figure eight.

Engineers then tested the new element, finding that, in mechanical tests, a single brick can withstand pressures similar to those of a concrete block. This means that the material can be so strong to make it ideal for construction.

These bricks also have an interlocking component attached to the base, which allows the individual modules to connect securely to each other, like LEGO blocks. After these results, engineers are considering making other interlocking parts with 3D printed glass, instead of using a different material.

So far, the team has built a curved wall made entirely of 3D-printed recycled glass bricks on the university campus. The next steps will be to attempt to build larger, self-supporting structures out of these materials, with the hope of bringing glass bricks to market for use in building facades and interior walls.