3D-printed formworks for glass fibre reinforced shotcrete
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Date
2023-05-09
Publication Type
Conference Paper
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yes
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Abstract
Glass fibre reinforced shotcrete has the potential to be sprayed onto any shape imaginable. Nevertheless, the possibilities are limited by the availability and fabrication constraints of adequate moulds or formworks. This paper describes a method to produce precise glass fibre reinforced shotcrete building elements with complex geometries using 3D-printed formworks. These elements benefit from the high strength of concrete while inheriting the geometric freedom of the digitally fabricated formworks.
The paper documents the implementation of this method in two representative built projects as case studies. The first is the Incidental Space, a temporary pavilion built in Venice for the Architecture Biennale in 2016. The second is the structural Smart Slab completed in 2019 in Dübendorf, Switzerland. The two projects document comparatively key aspects of the process that make it suitable for real-world scenarios.
The process starts with the fabrication-informed computational design that enables radical new architectural shapes. Subsequently, the formworks for these shapes are faithfully 3D-printed using binder-jetted sand. The necessary reinforcement for the structural applications is achieved with glass fibres, post-tensioning, and traditional rebar. Once the formwork and reinforcement provisions are prepared, the concrete mix and the concreting process are dynamically adapted to the specific underlying geometric features.
The geometric freedom of this process has advantages beyond æsthetics, enabling the construction of structurally efficient, integrative, and smart building components.
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Publication status
published
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Editor
Book title
GRC 2023
Journal / series
Volume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association
Event
18th International Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete Association Congress (GRC2023)
Edition / version
Methods
Software
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Date collected
Date created
Subject
Shotcrete; Concrete; 3D printed formwork; Architecture; Glass fibres; 3D printing; Formwork
Organisational unit
09566 - Dillenburger, Benjamin / Dillenburger, Benjamin
02284 - NFS Digitale Fabrikation / NCCR Digital Fabrication
Notes
Funding
-- - NCCR Digital Fabrication (SNF)