- I am a Professor for Digital Design and Production at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, leading the Digita... moreI am a Professor for Digital Design and Production at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, leading the Digital Timber Construction DTC working group. We are researching and teaching at the interface between architecture, civil engineering, robotics and computer science and our aim is to make constructions more sustainable through digital methods and technology. Important topics are material-saving lightweight constructions, rapid assembly wood-wood connections, sustainable types of wood and materials and the reuse and recycling of components.(I am a Professor for Digital Design and Production at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences, leading the Digital Timber Construction DTC working group. We are researching and teaching at the interface between architecture, civil engineering, robotics and computer science and our aim is to make constructions more sustainable through digital methods and technology. Important topics are material-saving lightweight constructions, rapid assembly wood-wood connections, sustainable types of wood and materials and the reuse and recycling of components.)edit
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This paper describes the design and potential applications of CNC fabricated snap-fit joints for cross-laminated veneer lumber panels (LVL). These joints are new to the building construction sector, but commonly used in other domains such... more
This paper describes the design and potential applications of CNC fabricated snap-fit joints for cross-laminated veneer lumber panels (LVL). These joints are new to the building construction sector, but commonly used in other domains such as the automotive or consumer electronics industry. We explain our application of existing knowledge about the de-sign and dimensioning of such joints, as well as several adaptations that we have made in order to optimize the connectors for the jointing of struc-tural wood panels. This was necessary due to the materials and fabrication processes in timber construction, which are different from those in the sec-tors of origin of the snap-fit joints. We propose applications, including two case studies with physical prototypes: 1. a box girder prototype on which we introduce the combination of snap-fit joints with shear-resistant tab-and-slot joints and test the mechanical performance of the joints. 2: A double-layer arch prototype with non-orthogonal...
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Der neue Holzbau fur einen Theatersaal in Vidy nimmt derzeit Gestalt an. Er liegt neben dem Theater, das Max Bill als Provisorium fur die Expo 64, die Landesausstellung von 1964, entwarf (Situationsplan rechte Seite oben). Als Ersatz fur... more
Der neue Holzbau fur einen Theatersaal in Vidy nimmt derzeit Gestalt an. Er liegt neben dem Theater, das Max Bill als Provisorium fur die Expo 64, die Landesausstellung von 1964, entwarf (Situationsplan rechte Seite oben). Als Ersatz fur den provisorischen Zeltbau wunschte die Bauherrschaft eine reprasentative, gedammte und akustisch vorteilhaftere Spielstatte. Sie sollte ausserdem zu dem bestehenden Kubus von Max Bill passen, sich aber in Form und Material davon unterscheiden. Das durch das Institut du bois (IBOIS) sowie den Architekten des Atelier Cube erarbeitete Projekt, ein rasch zu erstellendes Faltwerk aus Holz als innovative architektonische Struktur, umweltfreundlich und zerlegbar, stiess auf Interesse. Der neue Theatersaal verbindet Konstruktion und Formgebung zu einem selbstverstandlich wirkenden Faltwerk. Die Verbindungstechnik geht auf eine der altesten Methoden im Holzbau zuruck, namlich auf Holz-Holz-Verbindungen (Schwalbenschwanzverbindungen). Diese nutzt die Form von Bauteilen, um Krafte zwischen ihnen zu ubertragen. Das IBOIS der EPF Lausanne hat solche traditionelle Holzplattenverbindungen erforscht und in den baulichen Massstab ubertragen. Die so entstandene neuartige Methode ermoglicht es, den Neubau beim Theâtre de Vidy als gefaltetes Plattentragwerk unter minimem Einsatz von Metallverbindern und Leim zu erstellen. Diese Befestigungstechnik ist selbst ein Beispiel von komplexeren, zweifach gekrummten, gefalteten Flachentragwerken, die aus einer grossen Anzahl unterschiedlich geformter Bauteile bestehen.
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The HexBox Canopy demonstrates a new "plug & play" system for the rapid on-site assembly and disassembly without formwork of a segmented timber shell, consisting of relatively inexpensive, prefabricated hexagon-shaped... more
The HexBox Canopy demonstrates a new "plug & play" system for the rapid on-site assembly and disassembly without formwork of a segmented timber shell, consisting of relatively inexpensive, prefabricated hexagon-shaped boxes made from plywood plates. With 1531 timber segments making up 201 boxes, the HexBox shell is made exclusively of plywood components without the addition of any kind of metal fasteners for the main load-bearing structure. The major novelty is the wood-only connections between the box components, which are produced from cut-off waste material resulting from the cutting of the main plates of the structure. These connectors are inspired by traditional wedge joints, which were a smart and common method in handcrafted carpentry and cabinetmaking. Rather than attempting ultra-precisely fabricated elements, the wedges allow assembling box-like segments even when there are small imprecisions. Additionally, these joints allow for pulling and forcing the boxes together, closing gaps between the elements which may occur during assembly. Another key aspect is the introduction of an innovative technique that allows for the simple and safe 1K PUR adhesive joining of thousands of miter joints with individual dihedral angles. Conventional clamping tools are indeed designed for orthogonal miter joints and could therefore not be used here.
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Cet ouvrage retrace la genèse de la nouvelle salle de présentation du Théâtre de Vidy, projet emblématique issu des recherches menées au Laboratoire de construction bois (ibois) de l’école polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). La... more
Cet ouvrage retrace la genèse de la nouvelle salle de présentation du Théâtre de Vidy, projet emblématique issu des recherches menées au Laboratoire de construction bois (ibois) de l’école polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). La technologie choisie – une structure plissée à double nappe réalisée en panneaux multi-plis – est sans précédent: les panneaux incluent les tenons et mortaises dans leur découpe pour permettre un assemblage sans usage de colle ou de connecteurs métalliques. Cette innovation rend possible la transmission des efforts mécaniques et le pré-positionnement de chaque panneau dans l’espace, ainsi que le démontage facile et durable de la construction. Vincent Baudriller, directeur du théâtre de Vidy, expose le contexte et les enjeux de ce pavillon. Matthieu Jaccard, historien, décrit son élaboration, en la replaçant dans son contexte historique. Yves Weinand, architecte, résume la définition de cette architecture et décrit, avec Christophe Robeller et Julien Gamerro, chercheurs à l’ibois, le processus de fabrication. Le pavillon a servi d’exemple aux étudiants en architecture de l’EPFL pour imaginer une structure portante. Leurs travaux sont présentés et commentés dans la dernière partie du livre
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The HexBox Canopy demonstrates a new "plug & play" system for the rapid on-site assembly and disassembly without formwork of a segmented timber shell, consisting of relatively inexpensive, prefabricated hexagon-shaped boxes made... more
The HexBox Canopy demonstrates a new "plug & play" system for the rapid on-site assembly and disassembly without formwork of a segmented timber shell, consisting of relatively inexpensive, prefabricated hexagon-shaped boxes made from plywood plates. With 1531 timber segments making up 201 boxes, the HexBox shell is made exclusively of plywood components without the addition of any kind of metal fasteners for the main load-bearing structure. The major novelty is the wood-only connections between the box components, which are produced from cut-off waste material resulting from the cutting of the main plates of the structure. These connectors are inspired by traditional wedge joints, which were a smart and common method in handcrafted carpentry and cabinetmaking. Rather than attempting ultra-precisely fabricated elements, the wedges allow assembling box-like segments even when there are small imprecisions. Additionally, these joints allow for pulling and forcing the boxes tog...
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Der neue Holzbau fur einen Theatersaal in Vidy nimmt derzeit Gestalt an. Er liegt neben dem Theater, das Max Bill als Provisorium fur die Expo 64, die Landesausstellung von 1964, entwarf (Situationsplan rechte Seite oben). Als Ersatz fur... more
Der neue Holzbau fur einen Theatersaal in Vidy nimmt derzeit Gestalt an. Er liegt neben dem Theater, das Max Bill als Provisorium fur die Expo 64, die Landesausstellung von 1964, entwarf (Situationsplan rechte Seite oben). Als Ersatz fur den provisorischen Zeltbau wunschte die Bauherrschaft eine reprasentative, gedammte und akustisch vorteilhaftere Spielstatte. Sie sollte ausserdem zu dem bestehenden Kubus von Max Bill passen, sich aber in Form und Material davon unterscheiden. Das durch das Institut du bois (IBOIS) sowie den Architekten des Atelier Cube erarbeitete Projekt, ein rasch zu erstellendes Faltwerk aus Holz als innovative architektonische Struktur, umweltfreundlich und zerlegbar, stiess auf Interesse. Der neue Theatersaal verbindet Konstruktion und Formgebung zu einem selbstverstandlich wirkenden Faltwerk. Die Verbindungstechnik geht auf eine der altesten Methoden im Holzbau zuruck, namlich auf Holz-Holz-Verbindungen (Schwalbenschwanzverbindungen). Diese nutzt die Form vo...
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Keywords: Integral Mechanical Attachment ; Digital Fabrication ; Timber Folded Plate Structures ; Dovetail Joints ; Design for Assembly Reference EPFL-CHAPTER-221550 Record created on 2016-10-04, modified on 2017-07-10
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This article describes the first full-scale realization of a double-layered, folded plate structure (DLFP), for a new hall for the Theâtre Vidy Lausanne. (Fig. 1). Enabled by a novel double-tenon connection technology, the shape of the... more
This article describes the first full-scale realization of a double-layered, folded plate structure (DLFP), for a new hall for the Theâtre Vidy Lausanne. (Fig. 1). Enabled by a novel double-tenon connection technology, the shape of the components simultaneously serves as a joining aid for rapid and precise assembly, as well as for a direct transfer of the forces between the plates and in between the two layers of the construction. This is made possible by project-specific CAD plugins. These allow an algorithmic generation of the component geometries and the CNC ISO6983 G-code for the fully automatic 5-axis simultaneous machining.
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Reciprocal timber system has been widely studied, however it has never been directly applied to the segmented timber shell structure as a cross-bracing of a polygonal topology. For the first time, this paper presents an innovative hybrid... more
Reciprocal timber system has been widely studied, however it has never been directly applied to the segmented timber shell structure as a cross-bracing of a polygonal topology. For the first time, this paper presents an innovative hybrid timber system developed for design and construction of the robotically-fabricated lightweight timber shell structures. The timber system integrates two configurations of wood beams: polygonal framing and reciprocal bracing. While, the polygonal topology of facets enables a constant distance offset for the thickness of the shell, the reciprocal configuration allows for cross-bracing of polygonal frames where diagonals within the polygons cannot directly connect corners due to geometric constraints resulted by the free-form surface structure of the shell shapes. Joining the cross-bracing elements in the center of the polygons with a reciprocal node reduces the complexity of the connection system at joints while demonstrating the high load-bearing capacity of nodes for withstanding structural loads, compared to connecting 5, 6 or 7 beams in a single point. The article discusses the application and limitations of the timber system while presenting the design-to-assembly process of a case study of the small-scale shell demonstrator with the maximum span of 7.5 meters made of 144 wood elements for each polygonal and reciprocal configurations. The results show that the timber system has a great capacity for the rapid and precise assembly and disassembly of prefabricated timber structures. Generation of similar but different solid elements, allowed for the development of a custom CAD data interface for the automated production of numerous pieces, where simple joint details are applied for both alignment and attachment of beams, reducing the design complexity and facilitating the construction phase. As a result, the fabrication process was completely carried out with only a saw blade in a multi-axis robotic fabrication set up that enables the rapid, precise, and accurate cuts and grooves. Both timber configurations generate a uniform distribution of beam size, meaning that the production process created only a minimal amount of offcuts that allows for the use of simple and cost-efficient, short solid wood pieces.
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The paper presents an algorithmic modeling tool for segmented timber shell structures made of glued wave-edge CLT plates. The goal is to provide a larger bonding area and thereby, higher adhesive strength between plates, especially where... more
The paper presents an algorithmic modeling tool for segmented timber shell structures made of glued wave-edge CLT plates. The goal is to provide a larger bonding area and thereby, higher adhesive strength between plates, especially where a higher tension-resistant capacity is required. In addition to a number of contemporary research for exploring stereotomic modules, the inspiration is taken from the long history of the traditional glued finger joints in carpentry where they are used for providing higher interlocking capacity and adhesive strength. The structural performance of regular and glued finger joints is directly proportional to the bonding area between adjoining elements where they are interlocked and glued. Hence, expanding the shared faces would intrinsically magnify the structural performance of the glued finger joints. The paper presents the modeling method of a material-efficient, grain-informed, and structurally-optimized wedge edge joint system for the multi-shaped shell structures where the wave pattern is chosen for generating smoother fabrication toolpaths compared to any sharp-cornered pattern. The algorithm developed by the authors can efficiently maximize the glue bond by optimizing the wave-edge properties dynamically with respect to the geometric design, material system, and structural analysis within a feedback loop. The wave-edge properties directly affect the material waste and fabrication time and cost; therefore, the production parameters could be directly considered and controlled within the design process. The algorithm is able to produce the structural data model for the direct RFEM structural analysis, and fabrication data for automated production of a plenty of elements. The paper argues the application possibilities and limitations of the joint system for multi-shaped timber plate shells made of a multitude of geometrically-differentiated timber plates.
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Uber einen langen Zeitraum wurden im Zimmererhandwerk Holzverbindungen mit Handwerkzeugen wie Beilen, Sagen und Stemmeisen hergestellt. Diese traditionellen Verbindungen nutzten die Form der Bauteile, um Krafte zu ubertragen. Das Konzept... more
Uber einen langen Zeitraum wurden im Zimmererhandwerk Holzverbindungen mit Handwerkzeugen wie Beilen, Sagen und Stemmeisen hergestellt. Diese traditionellen Verbindungen nutzten die Form der Bauteile, um Krafte zu ubertragen. Das Konzept wird auch als integrale mechanische Befestigung bezeichnet. Die Verbreitung der Maschinentechnologie wahrend der Industrialisierung machte diese integralen Techniken zunehmend unwirtschaftlich. Mechanische Befestigungsmittel wie Schrauben oder Metallwinkel, die sich mit den neuen Technologien massenfertigen liesen, ersetzten die traditionellen Verbindungen zum grosen Teil. Einen erneuten Wandel brachte die oftmals als »zweite industrielle Revolution« bezeichnete Verbreitung der numerisch gesteuerten Maschinenwerkzeugtechnik, die die Fertigung komplexer Bauteilgeometrien und individualisierter Bauteilserien ermoglicht.
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Dieser Artikel beschreibt die erste vollmasstabliche Umsetzung eines zweischichtigen, gefalteten Flachentragwerkes aus Brettsperrholzplatten, fur das Projekt Theâtre Vidy Lausanne. Durch eine neuartige Doppelzapfen-Verbindungstechnik... more
Dieser Artikel beschreibt die erste vollmasstabliche Umsetzung eines zweischichtigen, gefalteten Flachentragwerkes aus Brettsperrholzplatten, fur das Projekt Theâtre Vidy Lausanne. Durch eine neuartige Doppelzapfen-Verbindungstechnik dient die Form der Bauteile gleichzeitig als Fugehilfe fur eine schnelle und prazise Assemblierung, als auch fur eine direkte Ubertragung der Krafte zwischen den Platten und den beiden Schichten der Konstruktion. Ermoglicht wird dies durch projektspezifisch entwickelte CAD Plugins. Diese erlauben eine algorithmische Generierung der Bauteilgeomtrien, und des CNC G-Codes fur die vollautomatische 5-Achs Simultanbearbeitung.
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Integral Mechanical Attachment (IMA) uses features in the form of components for their connection. In addition to the transfer of forces, locator features are used as integral assembly guides. Prismatic, single-degree-of-freedom (1DOF)... more
Integral Mechanical Attachment (IMA) uses features in the form of components for their connection. In addition to the transfer of forces, locator features are used as integral assembly guides. Prismatic, single-degree-of-freedom (1DOF) joints only allow for a single assembly motion and therefore a simple, rapid and precise assembly. In modern timber construction, such CNC-fabricated 1DOF joints are commonly used in frame structures. Recent research is investigating the application of similar techniques for the joining of timber plate components, inspired by traditional handcrafted joints from cabinetmaking. The method presented in this paper builds upon previous research, allowing for new geometric variations such as non-orthogonal 1DOF plate joints and a simplified cutting process using a 5-axis simultaneous cutting technique. In addition to the use of milling tools, the method is compatible with 5-axis laser cutting and 5-axis waterjet cutting. Advantages and disadvantages of the ...
Research Interests:
Cet ouvrage retrace la genèse de la nouvelle salle de présentation du Théâtre de Vidy, projet emblématique issu des recherches menées au Laboratoire de construction bois (ibois) de l’école polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). La... more
Cet ouvrage retrace la genèse de la nouvelle salle de présentation du Théâtre de Vidy, projet emblématique issu des recherches menées au Laboratoire de construction bois (ibois) de l’école polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). La technologie choisie – une structure plissée à double nappe réalisée en panneaux multi-plis – est sans précédent: les panneaux incluent les tenons et mortaises dans leur découpe pour permettre un assemblage sans usage de colle ou de connecteurs métalliques. Cette innovation rend possible la transmission des efforts mécaniques et le pré-positionnement de chaque panneau dans l’espace, ainsi que le démontage facile et durable de la construction. Vincent Baudriller, directeur du théâtre de Vidy, expose le contexte et les enjeux de ce pavillon. Matthieu Jaccard, historien, décrit son élaboration, en la replaçant dans son contexte historique. Yves Weinand, architecte, résume la définition de cette architecture et décrit, avec Christophe Robeller et Julien Gamerro, chercheurs à l’ibois, le processus de fabrication. Le pavillon a servi d’exemple aux étudiants en architecture de l’EPFL pour imaginer une structure portante. Leurs travaux sont présentés et commentés dans la dernière partie du livre
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This article presents a new lightweight construction system for doubly curved shells made from timber plates, inspired by the masonry vaults of Eladio Dieste. The system was developed for a specific case-study project, and general... more
This article presents a new lightweight construction system for doubly curved shells made from timber plates, inspired by the masonry vaults of Eladio Dieste. The system was developed for a specific case-study project, and general applications to other freeform surfaces are being discussed. The shells are built from two interconnected layers of structural wood veneer plates, using integral through-tenon joints for a fast, precise, and simple assembly. This allows for the construction of a series of differently shaped vaults without a costly mold or support structure. Instead, inclined joints cut with a 5-axis computer numerical controlled milling machine embed the correct location and angle between plates into the shape of the parts. This constrains the relative motions between joined parts to one assembly path. To take advantage of the benefits of such connectors, the constrained assembly paths must be considered in the fundamental design of the system, allowing for the insertion o...
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Thin shell structures such as vaults and domes, allow for a column-free construction over a large span. Such surface-active structure systems have been of interest for architects and engineers over centuries, both due to their structural... more
Thin shell structures such as vaults and domes, allow for a column-free construction over a large span. Such surface-active structure systems have been of interest for architects and engineers over centuries, both due to their structural efficiency and their elegant appearance. Only thin cross-sections and therefore small amounts of materials are required, due to the curved or even double-curved shape, which minimizes bending moments and provides a membrane action. However, the design and production of these thin shell structures has always been challenging. In particular, the construction of shells usually requires very time-consuming and costly formwork. Over time, advances in technology and new materials have changed the way vaults and shells have been designed and built, leading to new structural typologies. The construction sequence and assembly methods have always had a decisive role and a great influence. This article will describe the background and the ongoing developments in the design of plate shell structure, with a detailed focus on timber folded plates and a segmental plate shell system. The digital age has brought entirely new possibilities and materials, which may remove the cost and time constraints in the design, fabrication and production those efficient and elegant, surface-active structures. While the inspiration for new assembly methods and building material wood date back to the beginning of building history, the efficient realization can now be achieved through algorithmic geometry processing.
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Reciprocal timber system has been widely studied, however it has never been directly applied to the segmented timber shell structure as a cross-bracing of a polygonal topology. For the first time, this paper presents an innovative hybrid... more
Reciprocal timber system has been widely studied, however it has never been directly applied to the segmented timber shell structure as a cross-bracing of a polygonal topology. For the first time, this paper presents an innovative hybrid timber system developed for design and construction of the robotically-fabricated lightweight timber shell structures. The timber system integrates two configurations of wood beams: polygonal framing and reciprocal bracing. While, the polygonal topology of facets enables a constant distance offset for the thickness of the shell, the reciprocal configuration allows for cross-bracing of polygonal frames where diagonals within the polygons cannot directly connect corners due to geometric constraints resulted by the free-form surface structure of the shell shapes. Joining the cross-bracing elements in the center of the polygons with a reciprocal node reduces the complexity of the connection system at joints while demonstrating the high load-bearing capacity of nodes for withstanding structural loads, compared to connecting 5, 6 or 7 beams in a single point. The article discusses the application and limitations of the timber system while presenting the design-to-assembly process of a case study of the small-scale shell demonstrator with the maximum span of 7.5 meters made of 144 wood elements for each polygonal and reciprocal configurations. The results show that the timber system has a great capacity for the rapid and precise assembly and disassembly of prefabricated timber structures. Generation of similar but different solid elements, allowed for the development of a custom CAD data interface for the automated production of numerous pieces, where simple joint details are applied for both alignment and attachment of beams, reducing the design complexity and facilitating the construction phase. As a result, the fabrication process was completely carried out with only a saw blade in a multi-axis robotic fabrication set up that enables the rapid, precise, and accurate cuts and grooves. Both timber configurations generate a uniform distribution of beam size, meaning that the production process created only a minimal amount of offcuts that allows for the use of simple and cost-efficient, short solid wood pieces.
Research Interests:
The paper presents an algorithmic modeling tool for segmented timber shell structures made of glued wave-edge CLT plates. The goal is to provide a larger bonding area and thereby, higher adhesive strength between plates, especially where... more
The paper presents an algorithmic modeling tool for segmented timber shell structures made of glued wave-edge CLT plates. The goal is to provide a larger bonding area and thereby, higher adhesive strength between plates, especially where a higher tension-resistant capacity is required. In addition to a number of contemporary research for exploring stereotomic modules, the inspiration is taken from the long history of the traditional glued finger joints in carpentry where they are used for providing higher interlocking capacity and adhesive strength. The structural performance of regular and glued finger joints is directly proportional to the bonding area between adjoining elements where they are interlocked and glued. Hence, expanding the shared faces would intrinsically magnify the structural performance of the glued finger joints. The paper presents the modeling method of a material-efficient, grain-informed, and structurally-optimized wedge edge joint system for the multi-shaped shell structures where the wave pattern is chosen for generating smoother fabrication toolpaths compared to any sharp-cornered pattern. The algorithm developed by the authors can efficiently maximize the glue bond by optimizing the wave-edge properties dynamically with respect to the geometric design, material system, and structural analysis within a feedback loop. The wave-edge properties directly affect the material waste and fabrication time and cost; therefore, the production parameters could be directly considered and controlled within the design process. The algorithm is able to produce the structural data model for the direct RFEM structural analysis, and fabrication data for automated production of a plenty of elements. The paper argues the application possibilities and limitations of the joint system for multi-shaped timber plate shells made of a multitude of geometrically-differentiated timber plates.
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Uber einen langen Zeitraum wurden im Zimmererhandwerk Holzverbindungen mit Handwerkzeugen wie Beilen, Sagen und Stemmeisen hergestellt. Diese traditionellen Verbindungen nutzten die Form der Bauteile, um Krafte zu ubertragen. Das Konzept... more
Uber einen langen Zeitraum wurden im Zimmererhandwerk Holzverbindungen mit Handwerkzeugen wie Beilen, Sagen und Stemmeisen hergestellt. Diese traditionellen Verbindungen nutzten die Form der Bauteile, um Krafte zu ubertragen. Das Konzept wird auch als integrale mechanische Befestigung bezeichnet. Die Verbreitung der Maschinentechnologie wahrend der Industrialisierung machte diese integralen Techniken zunehmend unwirtschaftlich. Mechanische Befestigungsmittel wie Schrauben oder Metallwinkel, die sich mit den neuen Technologien massenfertigen liesen, ersetzten die traditionellen Verbindungen zum grosen Teil. Einen erneuten Wandel brachte die oftmals als »zweite industrielle Revolution« bezeichnete Verbreitung der numerisch gesteuerten Maschinenwerkzeugtechnik, die die Fertigung komplexer Bauteilgeometrien und individualisierter Bauteilserien ermoglicht.
Research Interests:
Dieser Artikel beschreibt die erste vollmasstabliche Umsetzung eines zweischichtigen, gefalteten Flachentragwerkes aus Brettsperrholzplatten, fur das Projekt Theâtre Vidy Lausanne. Durch eine neuartige Doppelzapfen-Verbindungstechnik... more
Dieser Artikel beschreibt die erste vollmasstabliche Umsetzung eines zweischichtigen, gefalteten Flachentragwerkes aus Brettsperrholzplatten, fur das Projekt Theâtre Vidy Lausanne. Durch eine neuartige Doppelzapfen-Verbindungstechnik dient die Form der Bauteile gleichzeitig als Fugehilfe fur eine schnelle und prazise Assemblierung, als auch fur eine direkte Ubertragung der Krafte zwischen den Platten und den beiden Schichten der Konstruktion. Ermoglicht wird dies durch projektspezifisch entwickelte CAD Plugins. Diese erlauben eine algorithmische Generierung der Bauteilgeomtrien, und des CNC G-Codes fur die vollautomatische 5-Achs Simultanbearbeitung.
Research Interests: Art()
()
Integral Mechanical Attachment (IMA) uses features in the form of components for their connection. In addition to the transfer of forces, locator features are used as integral assembly guides. Prismatic, single-degree-of-freedom (1DOF)... more
Integral Mechanical Attachment (IMA) uses features in the form of components for their connection. In addition to the transfer of forces, locator features are used as integral assembly guides. Prismatic, single-degree-of-freedom (1DOF) joints only allow for a single assembly motion and therefore a simple, rapid and precise assembly. In modern timber construction, such CNC-fabricated 1DOF joints are commonly used in frame structures. Recent research is investigating the application of similar techniques for the joining of timber plate components, inspired by traditional handcrafted joints from cabinetmaking. The method presented in this paper builds upon previous research, allowing for new geometric variations such as non-orthogonal 1DOF plate joints and a simplified cutting process using a 5-axis simultaneous cutting technique. In addition to the use of milling tools, the method is compatible with 5-axis laser cutting and 5-axis waterjet cutting. Advantages and disadvantages of the ...
Research Interests:
Cet ouvrage retrace la genèse de la nouvelle salle de présentation du Théâtre de Vidy, projet emblématique issu des recherches menées au Laboratoire de construction bois (ibois) de l’école polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). La... more
Cet ouvrage retrace la genèse de la nouvelle salle de présentation du Théâtre de Vidy, projet emblématique issu des recherches menées au Laboratoire de construction bois (ibois) de l’école polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). La technologie choisie – une structure plissée à double nappe réalisée en panneaux multi-plis – est sans précédent: les panneaux incluent les tenons et mortaises dans leur découpe pour permettre un assemblage sans usage de colle ou de connecteurs métalliques. Cette innovation rend possible la transmission des efforts mécaniques et le pré-positionnement de chaque panneau dans l’espace, ainsi que le démontage facile et durable de la construction. Vincent Baudriller, directeur du théâtre de Vidy, expose le contexte et les enjeux de ce pavillon. Matthieu Jaccard, historien, décrit son élaboration, en la replaçant dans son contexte historique. Yves Weinand, architecte, résume la définition de cette architecture et décrit, avec Christophe Robeller et Julien Gamerro, chercheurs à l’ibois, le processus de fabrication. Le pavillon a servi d’exemple aux étudiants en architecture de l’EPFL pour imaginer une structure portante. Leurs travaux sont présentés et commentés dans la dernière partie du livre
Research Interests: Art()
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This article presents a new lightweight construction system for doubly curved shells made from timber plates, inspired by the masonry vaults of Eladio Dieste. The system was developed for a specific case-study project, and general... more
This article presents a new lightweight construction system for doubly curved shells made from timber plates, inspired by the masonry vaults of Eladio Dieste. The system was developed for a specific case-study project, and general applications to other freeform surfaces are being discussed. The shells are built from two interconnected layers of structural wood veneer plates, using integral through-tenon joints for a fast, precise, and simple assembly. This allows for the construction of a series of differently shaped vaults without a costly mold or support structure. Instead, inclined joints cut with a 5-axis computer numerical controlled milling machine embed the correct location and angle between plates into the shape of the parts. This constrains the relative motions between joined parts to one assembly path. To take advantage of the benefits of such connectors, the constrained assembly paths must be considered in the fundamental design of the system, allowing for the insertion o...
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The article describes a new construction system for shell structures made from door- and window cut-offs resulting from cross laminated timber (CLT) production lines. For the first time, form-fitting fasteners made of beech laminated... more
The article describes a new construction system for shell structures made from door- and window cut-offs resulting from cross laminated timber (CLT) production lines. For the first time, form-fitting fasteners made of beech laminated veneer lumber are used in a shell made of engineered wood plates, enabling a particularly simple, fast and precise construction. The efficient planning and production of a multitude of differently shaped elements is made possible by a CAD plug-in developed by the authors. The article presents the general application possibilities and limitations of the system, as well as the case study of a shell demonstrator with a span of 12 meters, built from 229 hexagonal plates. A detailed structural analysis is presented for the demonstrator, including an experimental load test to confirm the FEM results.