Shaping concrete: An investigation of knitted formwork for concrete casting
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Publicerad
2021
Författare
Sehlstedt, Vera
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Double-curved geometries have never been easier to design with the advancements
in 3d software. However, realizing these structures are often complicated, time consuming, and wasteful. The formwork for casting concrete structures represents
more than half of the total cost for complex geometries making it unfeasible in most
cases. Not only does this limit the architectural expression but also the engineering
possibilities. Admired structures, such as the ones built by acclaimed engineers
like Felix Candela and Pier Luigi Nervi, rely on curved geometry to carry the load
efficiently.
In this thesis, knitted formwork is examined as an alternative production method
for double-curved geometries. The production method is studied to optimize the
production phase to increase the feasibility of such complex structures. In addition,
the method is also studied to produce efficient structures to reduce material usage in
the structural system.
The exploration of knitted formwork is done in a design study where models of
varying scales are produced. To complement the physical models, computational
simulations are performed to support the design process by generating knitting
patterns, form-finding and analysis of the shell structure. The final design is a
result of an iterative design process where the fabrication method, as well as the
structural system, is expressed. Only when these are in symbiosis can the design be a
representation of efficiency.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Knitted formwork, Form finding, Shell structures, Concrete casting, Digital fabrication