Lego blocks can withstand impressive compression (compacting) forces. In 2012, researchers at England’s The Open University tested the strength of a 2x2-stud Lego brick using a hydraulic press.

Engineers developed a new kind of reconfigurable masonry made from 3D-printed, recycled glass. The bricks could be reused many times over in building facades and internal walls.

Italy-based Sabelt SpA has developed a modular system for living in space comprised of expanded polypropylene (EPP) blocks that can be configured into everything from shipping boxes to walls ...