Striatus, an arched masonry footbridge composed of 3D-printed concrete blocks assembled without mortar or reinforcement. The first of its kind, it combines traditional techniques of master builders with advanced computational design, engineering and robotic manufacturing technologies.
Proposing a new language for concrete that is structurally informed, fabrication aware, ecologically responsible and precisely placed to build more with less, Striatus optimises the properties of masonry structures, 3D concrete printing and contemporary design; presenting an alternative to traditional concrete construction.
The name “Striatus” reflects its structural logic and fabrication process. Concrete is precisely printed in layers orthogonal to the main structural forces to create a “striated” compression-only structure that requires no mortar or reinforcement.
Using a special concrete ink, this method of 3D concrete printing combines the principles of traditional vaulted construction with digital concrete fabrication to use material only where it is structurally necessary and eliminate waste.
As construction does not need mortar, it can be dismantled and reassembled at a different location.
