Material-informed Formwork Geometry
The effects of cross-sectional variation and patterns on the strength of 3D printed eggshell formworks
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Author / Producer
Date
2021-09
Publication Type
Conference Paper
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yes
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Abstract
Fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing of formworks for concrete has the potential to increase geometric freedom in concrete construction. However, one major limitation of FDM printed formworks is that they are fragile and often cannot support the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the concrete. The research project 'Eggshell' combines robotic 3D printing of formwork with the casting of a fast-hardening concrete to reduce hydrostatic pressure to a minimum. Eggshell can be used to fabricate architectural-scale building components; however, knowledge of the influence formwork geometry has on the hydrostatic pressure resistance is still sparse, resulting in unexpected breakages of the formwork. This paper presents an empirical study into the breakage behaviour of FDM printed formworks when subjected to hydrostatic pressure. Firstly, the study aims to give a first insight into the breakage behaviour of formworks with a constant cross-section by casting a self-compacting concrete into the formwork until breakage. Then, we investigate if three-dimensional patterning of the formwork can have a beneficial effect on the breakage behaviour. Finally, the preliminary results are validated through the fabrication of two full-scale columns. The empirical results point towards the fact that sharp corners in formworks are weaker compared to rounded corners. Although the presented results are still preliminary, they mark an important step in the development of reliable design and fabrication strategies using 3D printed formworks.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Book title
Towards a New, Configurable Architecture (eCAADe 2021)
Journal / series
Volume
2
Pages / Article No.
199 - 208
Publisher
eCAADe; Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad
Event
39th Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe 2021)
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
3D Printing; Formwork; Fused deposition modeling (FDM); Digital Concrete; Hydrostatic pressure; Eggshell
Organisational unit
03709 - Kohler, Matthias / Kohler, Matthias
03708 - Gramazio, Fabio / Gramazio, Fabio
03891 - Flatt, Robert J. / Flatt, Robert J.
02284 - NFS Digitale Fabrikation / NCCR Digital Fabrication
Notes
Conference lecture held on September 8, 2021