{"id":38813,"date":"2025-08-01T07:08:15","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T07:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/38813\/"},"modified":"2025-08-01T07:08:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T07:08:15","slug":"penn-researchers-unveil-carbon-capturing-bridge-prototype-in-venice-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/38813\/","title":{"rendered":"Penn researchers unveil carbon-capturing bridge prototype in Venice | News"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Prototype exhibition. Image courtesy: University of Pennsylvania<\/p>\n

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A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania<\/a> has unveiled a modular, prefabricated bridge<\/a> prototype that merges advanced geometry, robotic<\/a> fabrication, and carbon-capturing concrete. Named DIAMANTI, the 33-foot prototype is currently on display at the European Cultural Centre\u2019s Time \u2013 Space \u2013 Existence exhibition in Venice<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Prototype exhibition. Image credit: Karolina Pajak, Sika Group Switzerland<\/a>Prototype exhibition. Image credit: Karolina Pajak, Sika Group Switzerland<\/p>\n

Developed by Penn\u2019s Polyhedral Structures Laboratory, DIAMANTI seeks to explore and test a structural method known as Polyhedral Graphic Statics (PGS). A computational system that uses geometry to optimize the flow of internal forces, the PGS approach allows the bridge to efficiently channel both compression and tension. The result is a lightweight, high-performance form that uses fewer materials while maintaining structural integrity.<\/p>\n

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Prototype exhibition. Image credit: Karolina Pajak, Sika Group Switzerland<\/a>Prototype exhibition. Image credit: Karolina Pajak, Sika Group Switzerland<\/p>\n

The bridge\u2019s canopy is composed of a concrete mix enhanced with diatomaceous earth, an additive<\/a> that increases surface porosity and boosts the material\u2019s ability to absorb atmospheric CO2. According to the team, the formulation captures up to 142% more CO2 than traditional mixes and uses 60% less concrete and 81% less steel reinforcement compared to conventional construction.<\/p>\n

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Prototype exhibition. Image credit: Masoud Akbarzadeh, Polyhedral Structures Laboratory<\/a>Prototype exhibition. Image credit: Masoud Akbarzadeh, Polyhedral Structures Laboratory<\/p>\n

\u201cThe moment we stopped thinking about concrete as static and started seeing it as dynamic, we opened up a whole new world of possibilities,\u201d said Professor Masoud Akbarzadeh, who leads Penn’s Polyhedral Structures Laboratory.<\/p>\n

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Visualization. Image courtesy: Fortes Vision<\/a>Visualization. Image courtesy: Fortes Vision<\/p>\n

Beyond bridges, the research has been extended to floor systems, with a proposed 3D-printed<\/a> modular slab design that reduces life cycle emissions by up to 60%. The floor system uses 15% less concrete and 83% less post-tensioning reinforcement, while maximizing surface area and minimizing waste through robotic manufacturing.<\/p>\n

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Visualization. Image courtesy: Fortes Vision<\/a>Visualization. Image courtesy: Fortes Vision<\/p>\n

As part of the project, a cinematic visualization of DIAMANTI by Fortes Vision imagines the structure installed on \u00cele de la Cit\u00e9 in Paris<\/a>. Construction partners Massive Form, Carsey3D, and Sika France are currently preparing to build the first full-scale version in France, following approval from French authorities.<\/p>\n

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