At the heart of modern innovation, 3D printing is reinventing fascinating historical concepts. A recent project highlights the genius of Leonardo da Vinci through the design of a self-supporting bridge inspired by his unpublished sketches. This architectural masterpiece, created by researchers in collaboration with a 3D printing company, relies on stereotomy principles to join its pieces without the use of glue or nails. By using sustainable materials, this bridge not only honors Leonardo’s legacy; it also embodies a significant advance towards eco-friendly and innovative construction.
An innovative project, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s sketches, has emerged thanks to a collaboration between researchers from the Polytechnic University of Bari and 3D printing experts. They designed a self-supporting bridge of about six meters, using sustainable materials made from stone waste and a lime-based binder. This bridge, named “Leonardo Bridge“, demonstrates the ability of the pieces to fit together, thereby ensuring its stability without the use of glue or screws. After more than a year of development, a prototype was created, illustrating the relevance of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions in the field of modern architecture and sustainability.
3D printing and the creation of the bridge inspired by Leonardo da Vinci
Recently, an ambitious project emerged: the 3D printing of a self-supporting bridge inspired by the sketches of Leonardo da Vinci, a genius of the Renaissance. This initiative takes place within the Polytechnic University of Bari, in collaboration with the company WASP, specializing in 3D printing. Researchers embarked on studying sustainable construction techniques while adding a touch of innovation.
The concept is simple yet brilliant: to use the principles of stereotomy, namely the combination of various geometric pieces to perfect the overall structure. Thanks to the absence of glue, screws, or nails, the bridge rises by exploiting only the friction and weight of the elements, exactly as Da Vinci proposed centuries ago.
the innovative materials used
To conceive and construct this masterpiece, the team utilized sustainable materials, notably integrating stone waste and a lime-based binder. This approach not only achieved environmental goals but also honored the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci, who advocated respect for nature in his works. The choice of these materials stems from a collaboration with B&Y, a start-up specialized in recovering by-products from stone processing.
prototypes and future of the project
The prototype, measuring approximately six meters in length, was built a year after the project’s inception. The printing of 13 blocks – each with a unique geometry – was carried out using the WASP 3MT LDM Concrete 3D printer. These blocks, once assembled, form a bridge capable of supporting a pedestrian, representing a true technological advance in engineering. This success opens the door to exciting prospects for future constructions based on sustainable models and focused on modern architectural innovations.
