A bio-based falsework system for the circular construction of shell structures


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Date

2024

Publication Type

Conference Paper

ETH Bibliography

yes

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Abstract

Ongoing research regarding the design of shells and spatial structures frequently focuses on the efficiency of the structure itself to reduce the amount of material required, but often, it negates the potentially significant environmental impact of the construction system required to realise them. As a result, shell structures typically need bespoke, disposable, and wasteful formworks. Mycelium-bound composites (MBCs) are circular, compostable, bio-based materials that, when pressed, attain an increased load-bearing capacity. They can be produced from locally sourced waste streams, which both helps to close waste loops in the region of production and to reduce the need to import materials for construction. Although their use as the main structural material for shells and spatial structures is still in the early stages of research, MBCs can be a sustainable alternative for the construction of formworks and temporary supporting structures where requirements such as fire resistance, resilience, and durability are less demanding. This paper offers an overview of the structural properties of MBCs and presents an innovative and circular use of dense MBCs to construct dry-fit waffle-like structures that can be used as falsework during the construction of shells and other geometrically driven structures. The benefits of these materials are demonstrated by performing a literature-based LCA to show the potential of dense MBCs as a valid alternative to standard materials such as oriented strand board (OSB) in construction.

Publication status

published

Book title

Proceedings of the IASS 2024 Symposium: Redefining the Art of Structural Design

Volume

2024

Pages / Article No.

4

Publisher

International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS)

Event

IASS 2024 Annual Symposium: Redefining the Art of Structural Design

Edition / version

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Date collected

Date created

Subject

Mycelium-bound composites; MBC; bio-based; waste; falsework; formwork; circularity; shell structures; spatial structures

Organisational unit

03847 - Block, Philippe / Block, Philippe check_circle

Notes

Conference lecture held on August 28, 2024.

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