Dutch robotic concrete 3D printing specialist company Vertico fabricated a scale model of the DIAMANTI bridge, a cutting-edge architectural and structural prototype showcased at the 2025 Venice Biennale as part of the Time, Space, Existence exhibition organized by the European Cultural Centre.
What makes the DIAMANTI bridge exceptional is its design, technology, and sustainability combination. The structure features a modular system composed of nine individual concrete segments, each precisely 3D printed for easy disassembly and reassembly. Its post-tensioned design is held together by eight ungrouted steel cables, allowing for both structural efficiency and full demountability. The bridge adopts a funicular geometry, where load paths follow pure compression and tension, resulting in an optimized structural form derived from polyhedral graphic statics.
Adding to its uniqueness are embedded diamond-shaped anticlastic surfaces, which enhance stiffness, distribute shear loads, and reduce the volume of concrete used. This innovation leads to a lightweight and sustainable construction, minimizing embodied carbon and enabling full recyclability at the end of its life cycle. The structure spans 2.5 meters with a depth of only 26 cm, demonstrating the immense potential of digitally printed thin-shell forms.
The Venice Biennale scale model of the DIAMANTI bridge was realized through a collaborative effort between academia and industry, and brought to life by Vertico’s advanced 3D concrete printing technologies. It stands as a visionary example of sustainable and innovative construction.
The DIAMANTI Bridge project originated from a joint research initiative focused on creating a modular, prefabricated bridge system rooted in funicular design principles. It demonstrates a radical approach to reducing material use and enhancing structural performance through computational geometry and additive manufacturing.
Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Masoud Akbarzadeh at the Polyhedral Structures Laboratory (PSL) at the University of Pennsylvania, the bridge explores a new structural paradigm based on Polyhedral Graphic Statics. This method allows for precise control over force distribution, optimizing both compression and tension pathways throughout the form.
Manufacturing on Demand
The bridge comprises modular segments, each carefully designed with anticlastic surfaces. These curved surfaces enhance the structure’s overall stability by stiffening the geometry and evenly distributing shear forces. Additionally, they provide increased surface area, which supports carbonation processes that reduce the embodied carbon in the concrete.
Vertico’s contribution centered on fabricating these segments using its robotic 3D printing system. Utilizing a sophisticated multi-component cement mix developed in collaboration with Sika, the team could create the complex geometries without traditional molds. The 2K printing system was pivotal in achieving the precision and surface quality required for the bridge’s intricate form.
The bridge segments were assembled using an innovative post-tensioning method with ungrouted steel cables. This approach enabled the dry assembly of the nine elements into a cohesive, load-bearing structure. Importantly, this strategy also makes the bridge fully demountable at the end of its service life, allowing for straightforward material separation and recycling.
One of Diamanti’s standout features is its sustainable approach to material usage. The project significantly reduces concrete consumption and minimizes waste by tailoring the 3D printed elements to align with specific load paths and integrating internal voids for stiffness. The modular nature of the bridge also supports reusability and adaptability in different contexts.
The DIAMANTI prototype on display at the Venice Biennale measures 2.5 meters in span, with a base width of 60 centimeters and a maximum mid-span depth of 26 centimeters. A larger version with a 9-meter span has already been successfully tested, further proving the design’s scalability and structural integrity.
A broad network of collaborators contributed to DIAMANTI’s realization. The design and structural engineering team, led by Prof. Dr. Masoud Akbarzadeh, included researchers Amir Motavaselian, Dr. Maximilian E. Ororbia, Hua Chai, Yefan Zhi, Teng Teng, Pouria Vakhshouri, and Dr. Mathias Bernhard from the University of Pennsylvania. Sika Group in Switzerland, represented by Karolina Pajak, Leon Trousset, Severin Mueller, Mylene Bernard, and Fabrice Decroix, provided expertise in material development. Vertico handled the 3D printing, while Carsey 3D managed the physical fabrication and assembly.
AEVIA executed post-tensioning, and the Advanced Building Construction Lab at City College of New York, led by Prof. Dr. Damon Bolhassani and Dr. Fahimeh Yavartanoo, supported structural analysis. CERIB in France conducted the load testing, and material calibration was undertaken by Prof. Dr. Joseph Yost and Javier Tapia of Villanova University. Paul Kassabian and Blaise Waligun provided additional support.
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Author: Davide Sher
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