A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Parametric design and robotic fabrication of whole timber reciprocal structures
Abstract To decrease the impact of the construction sector on climate change, sufficiently economic processes must urgently be developed to encourage the use of minorly transformed timber, such as tree trunks. However, the question remains how to inexpensively incorporate tree trunks with irregular morphology into structural systems from design to fabrication. It is only within recent years that robotic tools and parametric design software have made it possible to both quickly and affordably build with elements of geometry as variable as tree trunks. The objective of this article is to describe an automatic process, from parametric design to robotic fabrication, that makes it possible to build a full-scale structure from reshaped tree trunks. This research brings to light the scientific and technical challenges that must be undertaken before industrialization can be realized, therefore the geometric parametrization required of trunk-to-trunk connections is detailed herein. Finally, the authors describe a case study from design to fabrication of a full-scale 10 m × 5 m reciprocal structure prototype made from fourteen tree trunk elements fabricated as described above using robotic arms. It is seen that reciprocal structures can span large distances with logs of limited length, but their structural complexity brings additional challenges to the design and construction processes. This study highlights not only the need for future development to accelerate the processes of automatic scanning and cutting of timber logs, but also for mechanical characterization of logs using non-destructive methods and better prediction of transmission of stresses in wood-wood assemblies.
Highlights The less wood is processed, the cheaper the wood construction. The use of tree trunks obliges considering new design and construction processes. Parametric design and robots is the most relevant solution for machining logs. Whole timber reciprocal structures allow using short logs for large spans. Parametrizing wood-wood connections is the preliminary to robotic cutting.
Parametric design and robotic fabrication of whole timber reciprocal structures
Abstract To decrease the impact of the construction sector on climate change, sufficiently economic processes must urgently be developed to encourage the use of minorly transformed timber, such as tree trunks. However, the question remains how to inexpensively incorporate tree trunks with irregular morphology into structural systems from design to fabrication. It is only within recent years that robotic tools and parametric design software have made it possible to both quickly and affordably build with elements of geometry as variable as tree trunks. The objective of this article is to describe an automatic process, from parametric design to robotic fabrication, that makes it possible to build a full-scale structure from reshaped tree trunks. This research brings to light the scientific and technical challenges that must be undertaken before industrialization can be realized, therefore the geometric parametrization required of trunk-to-trunk connections is detailed herein. Finally, the authors describe a case study from design to fabrication of a full-scale 10 m × 5 m reciprocal structure prototype made from fourteen tree trunk elements fabricated as described above using robotic arms. It is seen that reciprocal structures can span large distances with logs of limited length, but their structural complexity brings additional challenges to the design and construction processes. This study highlights not only the need for future development to accelerate the processes of automatic scanning and cutting of timber logs, but also for mechanical characterization of logs using non-destructive methods and better prediction of transmission of stresses in wood-wood assemblies.
Highlights The less wood is processed, the cheaper the wood construction. The use of tree trunks obliges considering new design and construction processes. Parametric design and robots is the most relevant solution for machining logs. Whole timber reciprocal structures allow using short logs for large spans. Parametrizing wood-wood connections is the preliminary to robotic cutting.
Parametric design and robotic fabrication of whole timber reciprocal structures
Geno, Julien (author) / Goosse, Justin (author) / Van Nimwegen, Serena (author) / Latteur, Pierre (author)
2022-03-02
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Whole timber , Round timber , Log , Trunk , Raw timber , Heavy timber , Tall timber , Parametric design , Reciprocal structures , Automation , Robotic arm , Robot
Parametric design and robotic fabrication of whole timber reciprocal structures
| BASE | 2022
Topology Optimization and Robotic Fabrication of Advanced Timber Space-Frame Structures
| Springer Verlag | 2016