DigDesFab15 Research Pavilion

Abstract

This full-scale research pavilion exercises the application of timber and polymer concrete in architectural production (Figure 1). It attempts to develop and test a new hybrid construction technique using composite joints [as introduced in Schober et al. (2014)] within a modular geometric system and no need for formwork. The structure was designed and erected by students and instructors of the Digital Design and Full-Scale Fabrication seminar taught at the Institute of Architecture, University of Applied Arts Vienna. CNC milled, 3-layer spruce laminated timber boards are used for construction, which are temporarily fixed, then rigidized with polymer concrete. The cured composite node proves high structural capabilities, as polymer concrete withstands both pressure and tensile forces, and the bond between the materials is as strong as the wood itself. Compared to traditional timber construction, no metal bolting is needed for the creation of the node, while at the same time, the node geometry becomes more flexible, meaning any three-dimensional layout can be produced, as long as a temporary containment and fixation can be implemented until the chemical curing process is completed (Schober et al., 2016). The geometry is developed as an interpretation of the Zollinger (Menges et al., 2016) grid, where members originally are of twice the grid length ( Figure 2) and reciprocally reliant on each other (Figure 3). Instead, every second grid cell is made a joint node when cast out with concrete, making the structural members a lost formwork at the same time (Figure 4). Double-layering each member (see detail explanation of the construction process in Section "Construction Method" below) makes it possible to cast all 122 nodes of the pavilion structure separately and flat-bolt them together on-site with metal screws. Alternative fixation techniques (i.e., glue) of the nodes can be tested in future. The software plugin RhinoVault is used as a design tool to produce an efficient, compression only basic shell surface, although the subsequent imposition of the grid system introduces eccentricities and local imperfections. A parametric model in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper tests various subdivision densities and node sizes and evaluates the overall performance with the structural analysis tool Karamba. The different heights of the lamellas in the structure arise from the analysis and parametric interpretation of stresses under vertical and horizontal loading.

Clamp links: A novel type of reciprocal frame connection

“…The fact that the fan geometry is a combination of different variable parameters implies the necessity of a parametric adaptive connection system. Based on previous work, [2][3][4][5][6] the aim was to develop a connection that would fill the void inside the window fan. In this case, to ensure that the geometrical complexities would be embedded in the connection elements, all the relations established between them and the nexors were automated in the parametric model.…”

“…Another type of RF connection found in the literature, but with rare applications, is the solid window, as texplored by Gheorghe and Vierlinger. 6 In RF, fans are the areas where three or more nexors meet together. The window is the hollow space inside the fan, defined by the nexors’ engagement lengths, as shown in Figure 2(a).…”

“…The window is the hollow space inside the fan, defined by the nexors’ engagement lengths, as shown in Figure 2(a). They 6 have developed a RF structure in which the windows are filled with a polymer concrete (Figure 2(b)).

Figure 2.(a) RF fan parts and (b) RF solid fan connections.

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Wooden Structures within the Context of Parametric Design: Pavilions and Seatings in Urban Landscape

“…Form and Formation, Structure and Materiality, which are thought to be effective in the parametric design of seating elements and pavilions in this chapter of the study, have been analyzed in selected specimens. Timber and polymer concrete, DigDesFab15 research pavilion, structural analysis in Karamba [45] a b Figure 21. (a-c) Bending structures, ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2015-2016: Interactive Panorama by Heiko Stachel [46] a b c Figure 22.…”

Wooden Structures within the Context of Parametric Design: Pavilions and Seatings in Urban Landscape

“…(a and b) Timber and polymer concrete, DigDesFab15 research pavilion, structural analysis in Karamba[45] a b (a-c) Bending structures, ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2015-2016: Interactive Panorama by Heiko Stachel[46] a b c…”