This thesis explores how reversible   interlocking systems can enable truly circular construction with structural   glass. Rather than relying on adhesives or permanent fixings, the research   investigates additively manufactured (AM) interlayers that can be   mechanically joined, separated, and reused. Using AM, a custom interlock   geometry was developed and directly printed onto glass, then it was tested   for strength, durability, and printability. The selected material, PLA, offered   a balance between precision, stiffness, and recyclability.

A series of mechanical tests validated   the system’s ability to transfer structural loads while remaining fully   demountable. To adapt the approach to complex glass geometries, a robotic   fabrication method was developed, combining non-planar slicing with a custom   extruder mounted on a 6-axis robotic arm.

The resulting prototype demonstrated that   digitally manufactured interlocks can perform structurally while supporting   disassembly and material recovery. This work shows how emerging fabrication   techniques can help transform structural glass into a scalable, circular   building material.