PUMA publications for /tag/ShellTue Jan 13 16:31:40 CET 2026Stuttgart12349Forschungsberichte aus dem Institut für Tragkonstruktionen und Konstruktives Entwerfen, Universität StuttgartStructural Development of Semented Timber Shell SystemsDissertation5120252025 bechert develpment engineering itke segmented shell structural system timber In response to the growing global challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and urbanisation, there is an increasing demand for sustainable and material-efficient building systems. Segmented timber shell systems offer a promising solution by combining modularity,structural lightness, and the efficient use of renewable materials with advanced digital design and fabrication technologies. This dissertation develops an integrative structural design methodology to advance segmented timber shells as viable solutions for large-span architecture. Chapter one introduces the research motivation and context,establishing the relevance of segmented timber shells as a future-oriented building system. Chapter two reviews the state of the art, tracing the evolution of shell structures and highlighting the potential of modular, lightweight timber construction within sustainable architecture. Segmented timber shells synergise these fields as a contemporary alternative in the context of an evolving built environment. Chapter three formulates three Research Objectives (ROs) addressing key challenges in the design, engineering, and construction of segmented timber shells. These objectives form the basis for the Research Methods (RM1–RM3) outlined in chapter four,which translate them into fundamental developments and innovations for integrative structural design of segmented timber shell systems. The core contributions are documented in peer-reviewed publications, each supported by full-scale demonstrators: the ITECH Research Demonstrator 2015–16, the Urbach Tower, the BUGA Wood Pavilion, and the livMatS Biomimetic Shell. Chapter five summarises these publications and their contributions to the overarching research framework.Chapter six discusses the research results (RR1–RR3), demonstrating the structural viability, life cycle performance, and industrial scalability of segmented timber shells. The work shows how interdisciplinary co-design, performance-driven structural assessment, nd automated prefabrication strategies enable the realisation of modular, lightweight timber shell structures. Finally, chapter seven concludes with a critical reflection on the contributions and limitations of the research and outlines the future potential of segmented timber shells in large-scale architectural applications, bridging the gap between experimental research and construction practice.Tue Jan 13 16:31:40 CET 2026Stuttgart12349Forschungsberichte aus dem Institut für Tragkonstruktionen und Konstruktives Entwerfen, Universität StuttgartStructural Development of Semented Timber Shell SystemsDissertation512025segmented develpment engineering shell system structural itke 2025 timber bechert In response to the growing global challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and urbanisation, there is an increasing demand for sustainable and material-efficient building systems. Segmented timber shell systems offer a promising solution by combining modularity,structural lightness, and the efficient use of renewable materials with advanced digital design and fabrication technologies. This dissertation develops an integrative structural design methodology to advance segmented timber shells as viable solutions for large-span architecture. Chapter one introduces the research motivation and context,establishing the relevance of segmented timber shells as a future-oriented building system. Chapter two reviews the state of the art, tracing the evolution of shell structures and highlighting the potential of modular, lightweight timber construction within sustainable architecture. Segmented timber shells synergise these fields as a contemporary alternative in the context of an evolving built environment. Chapter three formulates three Research Objectives (ROs) addressing key challenges in the design, engineering, and construction of segmented timber shells. These objectives form the basis for the Research Methods (RM1–RM3) outlined in chapter four,which translate them into fundamental developments and innovations for integrative structural design of segmented timber shell systems. The core contributions are documented in peer-reviewed publications, each supported by full-scale demonstrators: the ITECH Research Demonstrator 2015–16, the Urbach Tower, the BUGA Wood Pavilion, and the livMatS Biomimetic Shell. Chapter five summarises these publications and their contributions to the overarching research framework.Chapter six discusses the research results (RR1–RR3), demonstrating the structural viability, life cycle performance, and industrial scalability of segmented timber shells. The work shows how interdisciplinary co-design, performance-driven structural assessment, nd automated prefabrication strategies enable the realisation of modular, lightweight timber shell structures. Finally, chapter seven concludes with a critical reflection on the contributions and limitations of the research and outlines the future potential of segmented timber shells in large-scale architectural applications, bridging the gap between experimental research and construction practice.Wed Jun 11 13:17:47 CEST 2025Form and Force: Proceedings of the International Association for Spactial Structures Annual Symposia 2019 BarcelonaOctober1--8Lightweight segmented timber shell for the Bundesgartenschau 2019 in Heilbronn20192019 BUGA Bundesgartenschau Heilbronn Lightweight aldinger alvarez bechert engineering groenevolt itke knippers krieg menges segmented shell sonntag timber wagner Segmented timber shells offer the possibility of constructing long span, double curved shell structures efficiently and economically. This was demonstrated with the Landesgartenschau Exhibition Hall 2014 in Schwäbisch Gmünd [1], a prefabricated segmented timber shell made of planar beech plywood plates. However, the application of this construction method for larger spans and more general shell geometries requires further technical development of the construction system, of its associated fabrication methods, and of the methods for form finding and optimisation. This paper presents the development and construction of the wood pavilion for the Bundesgartenschau (Federal garden exhibition, BUGA) 2019 in Heilbronn, which translates these technical developments into practice. Solid timber panels were replaced by a recently developed multi-layer cassette system. The 376 geometrically unique elements of the multi-layer segmented shell were produced of spruce laminated veneer lumber plates, which were assembled, glued, and milled in a fully automated process by two collaborative industrial robots. The shell segments are connected using a combination of the previously established CNC-milled finger-joints [2] as well as regularly spaced steel bolts. Custom design and analysis tools were developed, in order to manage varying material thicknesses, spacing of fasteners and geometric details of the connections between adjacent segments.Wed Jun 11 13:17:47 CEST 2025Form and Force: Proceedings of the International Association for Spactial Structures Annual Symposia 2019 BarcelonaOctober1--8Lightweight segmented timber shell for the Bundesgartenschau 2019 in Heilbronn2019groenevolt alvarez sonntag wagner Lightweight aldinger segmented Bundesgartenschau knippers engineering shell 2019 BUGA Heilbronn itke krieg timber menges bechert Segmented timber shells offer the possibility of constructing long span, double curved shell structures efficiently and economically. This was demonstrated with the Landesgartenschau Exhibition Hall 2014 in Schwäbisch Gmünd [1], a prefabricated segmented timber shell made of planar beech plywood plates. However, the application of this construction method for larger spans and more general shell geometries requires further technical development of the construction system, of its associated fabrication methods, and of the methods for form finding and optimisation. This paper presents the development and construction of the wood pavilion for the Bundesgartenschau (Federal garden exhibition, BUGA) 2019 in Heilbronn, which translates these technical developments into practice. Solid timber panels were replaced by a recently developed multi-layer cassette system. The 376 geometrically unique elements of the multi-layer segmented shell were produced of spruce laminated veneer lumber plates, which were assembled, glued, and milled in a fully automated process by two collaborative industrial robots. The shell segments are connected using a combination of the previously established CNC-milled finger-joints [2] as well as regularly spaced steel bolts. Custom design and analysis tools were developed, in order to manage varying material thicknesses, spacing of fasteners and geometric details of the connections between adjacent segments.Wed Jun 11 13:09:40 CEST 2025Computational design and robotic fabrication for high environmental quality timber constructions: the livMatS Biomimetic Shell case study20242024 Biomimetic Computational Shell bairi bechert case constructions design environmental fabrication göbel itke knippers lauer leistner livMatS menges opgenorth quality robotic sawodny schlopschnat skoury stark study the timber treml wagner wood wortmann The dataset includes the raw data and the corresponding report for the life cycle assessment of the building demonstrator 'livMatS Biomimetic Shell' (Website).The pressure on the construction industry to reduce its environmental impact is leading practitioners to investigate the use of more sustainable materials, such as timber. Still, due to its limited availability, it is questioned to which degree timber could substitute steel and concrete, and strategies to reduce its consumption are necessary. The Cluster of Excellence “IntCDC” investigates novel approachesto sustainable architecture. These exploit integrative computational design and automatic fabrication. These have been showcased in the livMatS Biomimetic Shell, for which a hollow timber cassette has been realized. In this study, the Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) analysis evaluated the developed cassette's environmental profile compared with other functionally equivalent systems. The analyses showed that the livMatS Biomimetic Shell reduced material consumption by 51% and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 39% lower than conventional timber construction. Optimized fabrication processes allowed for emissions reduction by 60% in comparison with a solid cross-laminated timber box.Wed Jun 11 13:09:40 CEST 2025Computational design and robotic fabrication for high environmental quality timber constructions: the livMatS Biomimetic Shell case study2024environmental göbel 2024 knippers quality wortmann the itke Biomimetic fabrication constructions sawodny menges case study leistner wagner opgenorth robotic Shell schlopschnat skoury bairi stark lauer design livMatS timber wood Computational treml bechert The dataset includes the raw data and the corresponding report for the life cycle assessment of the building demonstrator 'livMatS Biomimetic Shell' (Website).The pressure on the construction industry to reduce its environmental impact is leading practitioners to investigate the use of more sustainable materials, such as timber. Still, due to its limited availability, it is questioned to which degree timber could substitute steel and concrete, and strategies to reduce its consumption are necessary. The Cluster of Excellence “IntCDC” investigates novel approachesto sustainable architecture. These exploit integrative computational design and automatic fabrication. These have been showcased in the livMatS Biomimetic Shell, for which a hollow timber cassette has been realized. In this study, the Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) analysis evaluated the developed cassette's environmental profile compared with other functionally equivalent systems. The analyses showed that the livMatS Biomimetic Shell reduced material consumption by 51% and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) 39% lower than conventional timber construction. Optimized fabrication processes allowed for emissions reduction by 60% in comparison with a solid cross-laminated timber box.Wed Jun 11 11:46:41 CEST 2025Buildings11Segmented Timber Shells for Circular Construction: Relocation, Structural Assessment, and Robotic Fabrication of a Modular, Lightweight Timber Structure1520252025 aicher assessment balangé bechert circular construction engineering fabrication gorokhova göbel itke knippers lightweight menges modular relocation robotic schwieger segmented shell structural structure timber Segmented timber shells present a novel building system that utilizes modular, planar building components to create lightweight free-form structures in architecture. Recent advancements in the research field of segmented timber shells pursue, among others, two fundamentally opposing research objectives. 1. The modularity of their building components facilitates the reuse of such structures in response to a changing built environment. 2. Advanced developments aim at establishing segmented timber shells as permanent building structures for sustainable architecture. This paper addresses the first research objective through the successful relocation of the BUGA Wood Pavilion in the context of the proposed methodology of Co-Design for circular construction. The methods and results involve integrative design and engineering processes and advanced quality assessment methods, including structural, geodetic, and physical properties for modular timber constructions. The BUGA Wood Pavilion serves as a building demonstrator for the presented research on segmented shells as lightweight, reusable, and durable timber structures.Wed Jun 11 11:46:41 CEST 2025Buildings11Segmented Timber Shells for Circular Construction: Relocation, Structural Assessment, and Robotic Fabrication of a Modular, Lightweight Timber Structure152025modular relocation göbel gorokhova segmented knippers engineering shell circular structure itke fabrication menges aicher robotic lightweight assessment balangé structural 2025 construction schwieger timber bechert Segmented timber shells present a novel building system that utilizes modular, planar building components to create lightweight free-form structures in architecture. Recent advancements in the research field of segmented timber shells pursue, among others, two fundamentally opposing research objectives. 1. The modularity of their building components facilitates the reuse of such structures in response to a changing built environment. 2. Advanced developments aim at establishing segmented timber shells as permanent building structures for sustainable architecture. This paper addresses the first research objective through the successful relocation of the BUGA Wood Pavilion in the context of the proposed methodology of Co-Design for circular construction. The methods and results involve integrative design and engineering processes and advanced quality assessment methods, including structural, geodetic, and physical properties for modular timber constructions. The BUGA Wood Pavilion serves as a building demonstrator for the presented research on segmented shells as lightweight, reusable, and durable timber structures.Mon Nov 27 15:10:57 CET 2023Form and {Force}, {IASS} {Symposium}, {October} 7-10, 2019, {Barcelona}2544--2553Kuwait {International} {Airport} {Terminal} 2: detailed design and fabrication of a large-span composite shell2019BIM, analysis, automated composite construction, design, fabrication, for integrated model parametric prefabrication, shell sobek structural structures Kuwait International Airport is currently being extended by a new iconic terminal building (Terminal 2) designed by Foster + Partners. The new terminal is to be completed by 2022. It is a single buildingdefined by a continuous roof with a length of 1.2 km and a gross total area of 320 000 m2. The roof is composed of different large-span non-repetitive freeform shells realized through an innovative prefabricated system made of steel and exposed reinforced concrete elements. These shells are at the same time the characterizing elements of the terminal’s architecture and its principal structure. The sheer size of the building in combination with its structural complexity and the use of innovative prefabricated systems are the reason why this building can be considered one of most challenging constructions of our time. Taking over from design engineers at Arup, as of August 2016 Werner Sobek Stuttgart (WSS) was responsible for the engineering of the primary structures and the facades. This work included design development, optimization, detailing, and support to fabrication and construction. In order to fulfill these tasks, the authors and their collaborators at Werner Sobek developed different analyses, methods, work-flows and even project specific tools allowing for a full coordination between structural design and production. After a preliminary introduction on the project’s design philosophy, this paper focuses on the specific solutions used for the design, development, and fabrication of one of the key elements of the building: the shell structure.Mon Nov 27 15:10:57 CET 2023Creativity in {Structural} {Design}, {IASS} {Symposium}, {July} 16-20, 2018, {Boston}Paper 295Rosenstein {Pavilion} - {Design} and fabrication of a functionally graded concrete shell2018concrete design, digital efficiency, fabrication, functional gradation, integrated resource segmented shell shell, sobek The paper describes the design and fabrication of the Rosenstein Pavilion. It was built as part of an exhibition on construction bionics in Stuttgart. The concept of the pavilion is based on a research project that explored the limits of material savings in building construction by implementing biomimetic optimization strategies. Inspired by biological load-bearing tissues, the properties of which are specifically adapted to local loading conditions, the weight of the pavilion was reduced by distributing the material in accordance to the stress state, thus creating a functional material gradient in the structure. The paper provides an overview of the workflow of the project before describing the computational methods used and developed from conceptual design to fabrication and assembly. It concludes with a critical review of the results and the potential they reveal. Using the Rosenstein Pavilion as a case study, the paper aims at motivating architects and engineers to join their efforts in the development of integrated design and fabrication methods – always with the objective of minimizing resource consumption in the building industry.Mon Nov 27 15:10:57 CET 20232013 {IEEE}/{ASME} {International} {Conference} on {Advanced} {Intelligent} {Mechatronics} ({AIM}), {July} 9-12, 2013, {Wollongong}, {Australia}1330--1336Kinematic modeling of a hydraulically actuated 3-{SPR}-parallel manipulator for an adaptive shell structure2013(structures), 3D Joints, Kinematics, Manipulator Mathematical SPR Vectors, actuated actuators, adaptive analysis, condition, constraint control, deformation, displacement, dynamics, forward hydraulic indeterminate inverse joint, kinematic kinematics, loading manipulator model, modeling, numerical parallel passive position prismatic reduction, robot shell shells sobek statically statistical stress structural structure, support supports, system, systems vibration This paper describes a 3-SPR-parallel robot system with hydraulic actuated prismatic joints that was developed within the context of ongoing research on adaptive shell structures. The potential of adaptive structures is based on the principle of providing means for the system to accommodate a variety of loading conditions (earthquakes, wind, snow) by actively inducing deformations and forces in response to external loads. Thus, stresses and vibrations in the structure are reduced, maintaining or exceeding the performance of passive structures while using much less material and, correspondingly, resources. Adaptive structures, in comparison to traditional systems, contain sensors, actuators, and control systems. One method of actuation is the controlled positioning of the support points of structures. Assuming a statically indeterminate structure, the displacement of the supports will introduce structural deformations and forces. For three-dimensional structures such as the double-curved shell structure under investigation, translational positioning of the support must be provided in all directions. One method to achieve this is the use of 3-SPR-parallel mechanism. The implementation requires a unique and real time solution of the forward and inverse kinematics of the mechanism in order to relate actual displacement of the structural support of the shell to the displacement of the actuators. The solution presented here is based on an analytical approach taking into account the constraint conditions of the 3-SPR-parallel mechanism. The method is validated by numerical analysis of the workspace and then implemented on a reference system.Mon Nov 27 15:10:57 CET 2023Stahlbau3194--202Das {Schalentragwerk} des {Kuwait} {International} {Airport} {Terminal} 2 - {Bemessung} und {Ausführung} einer komplexen {Megastruktur} in {Zeiten} der {Digitalisierung}882019BIM, Digitalisierung, Entwerfen, Schalentragwerk, Verbundwirkung, compound design, digitalization, effect parametric parametrisches shell sobek structure, Der internationale Flughafen von Kuwait wird bis 2022 um ein neues Terminalgebäude nach einem Entwurf von Foster + Partner erweitert. Das neue Terminal hat eine Kantenlänge von fast 1,2 km, eine lichte Höhe von bis zu 25 m und eine Dachfläche von 320 000 m2. Das Gebäude zeichnet sich aber nicht nur durch seine Größe, sondern auch durch die Komplexität seines Dachtragwerks aus. Trotz seines großen Umfangs musste das Dach ohne Dehnfugen geplant werden. Dies hatte umfangreiche Auswirkungen auf Bemessung und Berechnung aller Bauteile. Das Dachtragwerk ist ein statisch hochgradig unbestimmtes System. Die Interaktion zwischen den verschiedenen Komponenten ist hierdurch sehr komplex, sodass jede Steifigkeitsänderung bei einem Element maßgeblichen Einfluss auf die statische Auslastung der anderen Bauteile hat. Der vorliegende Aufsatz beschreibt, wie dieser anspruchsvolle Entwurf mithilfe komplexer digitaler Methoden und Werkzeuge realisierbar gemacht werden konnte.Mon Oct 30 15:05:11 CET 2023Advances in Architectural Geometry 2023oct43-54De Gruyter STEMHYGROSHELL – In Situ Self-shaping of Curved Timber Shells20232023 architecture curved hygroshell itke kiesewetter knippers körner menges self-shaping shell situ takahashi timber wood 4Curved, surface-active, shell structures are known for material efficiency and slenderness but typically require complex manufacturing and formwork in combination with intricate on-site construction processes. The presented research proposes an alternative approach: a self-shaping building system for deploying lightweight, curved surface structures made from timber. The system uses the inherent hygromorphic properties of wood which naturally shrinks through drying. This anisotropic shape change is embedded into large-scale bilayer sheets - produced, machined, and shingle clad in a flat state with their later curved shape and connection detailing physically programmed within the material build-ups. When placed on-site, these sheets actuate through air drying to a final curved and interlocked geometry. Geometrically the structure is integratively designed from variable single curved surfaces using key material parameters (end grain angle and moisture content change) within a material stock, in relation to both the self-shaping and the final structural configuration. Each surface is modeled in the curved state using a board specific algorithmic calculation of curvature potential in parallel to a flat fabrication model. Emphasis is placed on investment in early-stage planning and intelligent material arrangement as a method to produce useful curvature. As a result, the curved shell shapes and interlocks without formwork or external mechanical force, with little onsite work. The outcome is a lightweight, longspan roof structure built from single curved wood surfaces with a thin cross-laminated build up. The project demonstrates a tangible new method of low impact, light touch self-construction and an ecologically effective use of material and geometry.Mon Mar 27 12:30:50 CEST 2023StructuresDecember4814-4833Integrative structural design and engineering methods for segmented timber shells : BUGA Wood Pavilion3420212021 aldinger bechert buga computational design engineering fabrication finger form-finding heilbronn integrative itke joints knippers lightweight methods modular optimization plate robotic segmented shell sonntag structure timber The presented research describes the holistic development of a modular lightweight timber shell. So-called segmented timber shells approximate curved geometries with the use of planar plates, thus combining the excellent structural performance of double curved shells with the resource-efficient prefabrication of timber modules using only planar elements. Segmented timber shells constitute a novel building system that demands for innovative approaches on structural design and construction technologies. The geometric complexity of plate shells in conjunction with the particularities of the building material wood pose great challenges to the computational design and planning processes as structural requirements and fabrication constraints determine the shell design at early design phases. This paper discusses the design development and construction of the BUGA Wood Pavilion: A segmented timber shell structure made of hollow cassette components. Particular emphasis lies on the technical challenges of the employed building system, notably structural design and analysis, detailing solutions and the construction process. The authors further describe the integrative structural design and optimization methods developed for the timber shell in question. The BUGA Wood Pavilion demonstrates the possibilities of lightweight and sustainable wood architecture merging the merits of integrative design, structural engineering and high-tech robotic fabrication methods.Mon Mar 27 12:30:50 CEST 2023StructuresDecember4814-4833Integrative structural design and engineering methods for segmented timber shells : BUGA Wood Pavilion342021modular finger sonntag segmented knippers engineering shell 2021 structure itke from:petraheim fabrication form-finding buga methods aldinger joints heilbronn plate robotic lightweight integrative design optimization timber computational bechert The presented research describes the holistic development of a modular lightweight timber shell. So-called segmented timber shells approximate curved geometries with the use of planar plates, thus combining the excellent structural performance of double curved shells with the resource-efficient prefabrication of timber modules using only planar elements. Segmented timber shells constitute a novel building system that demands for innovative approaches on structural design and construction technologies. The geometric complexity of plate shells in conjunction with the particularities of the building material wood pose great challenges to the computational design and planning processes as structural requirements and fabrication constraints determine the shell design at early design phases. This paper discusses the design development and construction of the BUGA Wood Pavilion: A segmented timber shell structure made of hollow cassette components. Particular emphasis lies on the technical challenges of the employed building system, notably structural design and analysis, detailing solutions and the construction process. The authors further describe the integrative structural design and optimization methods developed for the timber shell in question. The BUGA Wood Pavilion demonstrates the possibilities of lightweight and sustainable wood architecture merging the merits of integrative design, structural engineering and high-tech robotic fabrication methods.Thu Jul 08 12:44:42 CEST 2021Advances in Architectural Geometry 2020244-263.Filigree Shell Slabs: Material and Fabrication-aware Shape Optimisation for CFRP Coreless- wound Slab ComponentsConference Proceedings20212021 aag architecture bodea cfrp christie components coreless coreless-wound fabrication fabrication-aware filigree from:petraheim itke knippers material menges optimisation shape shell slab solly In recent years, the coreless filament winding (CFW) technique has gained attraction due to its capacity to effectively realize large-scale lightweight building components out of fibre-reinforced composites. However, the sequential nature of its filament- based production process imposes a series of design constraints that restrain the use of this technique in new typologies and applications. The current research introduces a novel shape optimisation-to-fabrication method that expands the scope of CFW to- wards the production of load-bearing components for slabs. A multi-stage workflow is proposed, integrating parametric design, shape optimisation, stress-driven mate- rial layup, and fabrication to ensure a high level of consistency between form and materialization. The research is presented in two phases. The first phase explores the use of shape optimisation to comprehend the underlying logic of shell forms capable of performing under the specific requirements of the slab scenario. The sec- ond phase integrates the inherent conditions of the material, formwork system, and robotic filament winding process into a seamless design-to-manufacturing workflow. The research resulted in a 10.2 kg prototype of a slab load-bearing structure that withstood a load of 559 kg while spanning 2.7 m, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach.Thu Jul 08 12:44:42 CEST 2021Advances in Architectural Geometry 2020244-263.Filigree Shell Slabs: Material and Fabrication-aware Shape Optimisation for CFRP Coreless- wound Slab ComponentsConference Proceedings20212021 aag architecture bodea cfrp christie components coreless coreless-wound fabrication fabrication-aware filigree itke knippers material menges optimisation shape shell slab solly In recent years, the coreless filament winding (CFW) technique has gained attraction due to its capacity to effectively realize large-scale lightweight building components out of fibre-reinforced composites. However, the sequential nature of its filament- based production process imposes a series of design constraints that restrain the use of this technique in new typologies and applications. The current research introduces a novel shape optimisation-to-fabrication method that expands the scope of CFW to- wards the production of load-bearing components for slabs. A multi-stage workflow is proposed, integrating parametric design, shape optimisation, stress-driven mate- rial layup, and fabrication to ensure a high level of consistency between form and materialization. The research is presented in two phases. The first phase explores the use of shape optimisation to comprehend the underlying logic of shell forms capable of performing under the specific requirements of the slab scenario. The sec- ond phase integrates the inherent conditions of the material, formwork system, and robotic filament winding process into a seamless design-to-manufacturing workflow. The research resulted in a 10.2 kg prototype of a slab load-bearing structure that withstood a load of 559 kg while spanning 2.7 m, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach.Tue Jul 06 10:40:17 CEST 2021Structures103667--3681Urbach Tower: Integrative structural design of a lightweight structure made of self-shaped curved cross-laminated timber3320212021 CLT Timber aldinger architecture bechert computational connection cross-laminated crossing-screw curved design digital engineering fabrication folded integrative itke knippers lightweight menges self-shaping shell structure surface-active tower urbach wood Recent development in research and practice for curved cross-laminated timber (CLT) opens up novel and interesting possibilities for applications of slender surface-active shell structures in architecture. Such typologies provide advantageous structural behaviour allowing for efficient and lightweight structures while simultaneously determine the envelope and space of a building. The high degree of prefabrication combined with a sustainable and renewable building material makes CLT an ecological and economic solution for future construction. This paper presents the design development and construction of the Urbach Tower for the Remstal Gartenschau 2019: a structure made from high curvature CLT components on a building scale. This research contribution illustrates a sophisticated integrative design to construction process emphasizing computational and structural design, fabrication and detailing for curved timber components in complex spatial structures. The authors further explore the structural potential of self-shaped curved CLT investigating the influence of curvature radius on the load-bearing behaviour of the tower structure. The Urbach Tower translates these technical developments into practice arising at the intersection of digital innovation and scientific research.Tue Jul 06 10:40:17 CEST 2021Structures103667--3681Urbach Tower: Integrative structural design of a lightweight structure made of self-shaped curved cross-laminated timber332021surface-active knippers engineering shell 2021 digital structure itke from:petraheim fabrication menges cross-laminated curved folded Timber aldinger crossing-screw CLT lightweight integrative self-shaping design connection urbach wood computational architecture bechert tower Recent development in research and practice for curved cross-laminated timber (CLT) opens up novel and interesting possibilities for applications of slender surface-active shell structures in architecture. Such typologies provide advantageous structural behaviour allowing for efficient and lightweight structures while simultaneously determine the envelope and space of a building. The high degree of prefabrication combined with a sustainable and renewable building material makes CLT an ecological and economic solution for future construction. This paper presents the design development and construction of the Urbach Tower for the Remstal Gartenschau 2019: a structure made from high curvature CLT components on a building scale. This research contribution illustrates a sophisticated integrative design to construction process emphasizing computational and structural design, fabrication and detailing for curved timber components in complex spatial structures. The authors further explore the structural potential of self-shaped curved CLT investigating the influence of curvature radius on the load-bearing behaviour of the tower structure. The Urbach Tower translates these technical developments into practice arising at the intersection of digital innovation and scientific research.Fri Nov 20 14:24:14 CET 2020BaselSensorsfeb3738Natural Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites (NFRP) Fabricated from Lignocellulosic Fibres for Future Sustainable Architectural Applications, Case Studies: Segmented-Shell Construction, Acoustic Panels, and Furniture192019Itke NFRP absorption acoustic architecture biocomposites biomat composites dahy design extrusion for functionality furniture lignocellulosic-based molding multi post-fabrication resin-bath segmented shell sustainability sustainable 12Due to the high amounts of waste generated from the building industry field, it has become essential to search for renewable building materials to be applied in wider and more innovative methods in architecture. One of the materials with the highest potential in this area is natural fibre-reinforced polymers (NFRP), which are also called biocomposites, and are filled or reinforced with annually renewable lignocellulosic fibres. This would permit variable closed material cycles’ scenarios and should decrease the amounts of waste generated in the building industry. Throughout this paper, this discussion will be illustrated through a number of developments and 1:1 mockups fabricated from newly developed lignocellulosic-based biocomposites from both bio-based and non-bio-based thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. Recyclability, closed materials cycles, and design variations with diverse digital fabrication technologies will be discussed in each case. The mock-ups’ concepts, materials’ compositions, and fabrication methods are illustrated. In the first case study, a structural segmented shell construction is developed and constructed. In the second case study, acoustic panels were developed. The final case studies are two types of furniture, where each is developed from a different lignocellulosic-based biocomposite. All of the presented case studies show diverse architectural design possibilities, structural abilities, and physical building characteristics.ShellCommunity for tag(s) Shell