Mesh Mould Prefabrication

Abstract

The Mesh Mould technology combines formwork and structural rein-forcement into a robotically fabricated construction system. This method allows for the industrial and full-scale realisation of complex curved, steel-reinforced con-crete structures without the need for conventional formwork. The paper presents a new material and cost efficient industrial robotic prefabrication process of 3D rein-forcement cages (mesh elements). A novel robotic wire application process makes it possible to now fabricate mesh elements with continuous reinforcement in two commonly orthogonal directions. Thanks to the implementation of an automated structural design approach, complex structures can be dimensioned and optimised following international standards for steel-reinforced concrete structures. Further-more, the paper presents the development of a new, appropriate concrete mixture that is stable to fill the permeable meshes with.