reMARBL3D

Researchers from ETH Zurich and SUPSI's Institute of Earth Sciences have developed a floor structure that can be assembled without the use of mortar or adhesive. The structure consists of 17 blocks, which are 3D-printed using recycled marble aggregates that make up approximately 80% of the printed material.

The 3D printing process makes it possible to produce large-scale building components for load-bearing structures by using residual materials from stone extraction.

The disposal of construction and quarry waste poses a significant environmental challenge, as up to 40% of this waste ends up in landfills. By converting the waste into valuable building materials, the project contributes both to improved waste management and to the development of new, more sustainable materials for the construction industry.

The components are manufactured using Binder Jetting (BJT)-a 3D printing technology that uses a two-component binder system. A layer of granulate is combined with an activating alkaline liquid, which is applied layer by layer through nozzles. The result is robust, 3D-printed elements with strong mechanical properties and high resistance to both weather and fire.