Existing research on mycelium-based materials recognizes the binding capacity of fungal hyphae. Fungal hyphae digest and bond to the surface of the substrate, form entangled networks, and enhance the mechanical strength of mycelium-based composites. This investigation was driven by the results of an ongoing project, where we attempt to provide basic concepts for a broad application of a mycelium and chipped wood composite for building components. Simultaneously, we further explore the binding capacity of mycelium and chipped wood composites with a series of experiments involving different mechanical interlocking patterns. Although the matrix material was analyzed on a micro-scale, the samples were developed on a meso-scale to enhance the bonding surface. The meso-scale allows exploring the potential of the bio-based material for use in novel construction systems. The outcome of this study provides a better understanding of the material and geometrical features of mycelium-based building elements.
Timber is a highly versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications and products, including standardized construction elements such as bars, boards, and beams. However, these traditional timber constructions typically rely on straight logs, with naturally grown irregular elements like tree branches, forks, or curved logs often being discarded.Advancements in digitization tools, such as 3D scanning and image-based processing in parametric environments, allow architects and engineers to upcycle these discarded materials innovatively. This study proposes a method integrating discarded tree parts collected from timber harvesting forests. We have developed a structural joint-free knot system using timber forks that can be employed in bar-type structures. Therefore, we analyzed the morphological possibilities of the timber forks and used an optimization system based on their length and angle variations. The proposed knot system can seamlessly integrate into architectural designs with minimal processing and rapid assembly, providing a solution to managing this intelligently grown material. This approach can expand the application of grown timber in construction by utilizing naturally irregular elements that would otherwise be discarded. We suggest that this approach can extend the application of grown timber and provide a solution to managing this intelligently grown material.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.