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Equilibrium design of discrete-element assemblies

This research, part of the NCCR "Digital Fabrication," develops computational form-finding and assembly approaches for unreinforced masonry and other discrete element structures, i.e. equilibrium systems acting predominantly in compression. Based on simplified contact - interface force models, Discrete Element Modeling and Limit Equilibrium Methods are used to develop novel techniques for the design and assessment of such fully three-dimensional discrete element assemblies.

More info

This project is part of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) "Digital Fabrication", which focuses on the development of highly informed and environmentally sound innovative assemblies of construction materials. This research "Equilibrium design of discrete-element assemblies" is concerned with structural design of discrete-element assemblies such as unreinforced masonry, taking into account constraints imposed by digital fabrication and automated assembly processes. It focuses on the design of structurally informed prefabricated elements and the development of efficient assembly strategies.

Recent advances in digital fabrication and on-site construction, especially large scale 3d-printing, additive robotic fabrication, and assembly technologies, have changed manufacturing and handling of prefabricated modules significantly. These novel fabrication and construction methods create new possibilities for the fabrication of highly customised individual units and the realisation of complex, assembled architectural geometries.

However, currently there are no structural design methods or tools available that address the specific challenges of designing such discrete element assemblies, their units, or their connections. Some out of many challenges are, for instance, to address complicated element geometry, to considerate the resulting complex contacts and interfaces, to keep the connections between the elements simple, and the actual construction of such assemblies.

The objective of this research is the investigation of design methods and techniques that tackles those specific challenges. Two scenarios will be addressed: 1) the design of assemblies from given units, and 2) the discretisation of given geometries into structurally feasible assemblies. This will be achieved through the development of a computational framework. The research tackles aspects of stability, assembly, and structural optimization and aims for the integration of those constraints into the architectural design process.

Publications

Kao G. T.-C., Iannuzzo A., Thomaszewski B., Coros S., Van Mele T. and Block P.Coupled Rigid-Block Analysis: Stability-Aware Design of Complex Discrete-Element Assemblies,Computer-Aided Design,146: 103216,2022 (May).
Kao G. T. C., Iannuzzo A., Coros S., Van Mele T. and Block P.Understanding rigid-block equilibrium method by way of mathematical programming,Proceedings of the ICE - Engineering and Computational Mechanics,174(4): 178-192,2021 (September).
Frick U., Van Mele T. and Block P.Data management and modelling of complex interfaces in imperfect discrete-element assemblies,Proceedings of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2016,Tokyo, Japan,2016 (September).
Frick U., Van Mele T. and Block P.Decomposing three-dimensional shapes into self-supporting discrete element assemblies,Proceedings of the Design Modelling Symposium 2015,Ramsgaard Thomsen, M., Tamke, M., Gengnagel, C., Faircloth, B. and Scheurer, F. (editors),: 187-201,Springer International PublishingCopenhagen,2015.
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