Controlled Anisotropy: A Design-Fabrication Method for Complex Timber Structures
Tzu-Ying Chen, Lior Skoury, Simon Treml
The project Controlled Anisotropy offers a novel design-fabrication method to increase material efficiency in complex timber structures by leveling up the degree of control over fiber directionality with continuous fiber-reinforced 3d printing. Controlling anisotropy can be observed in various modern complex timber structures, where elements are designed to align timber fibers with governing forces. However, contemporary construction methods fail to achieve a higher resolution of control over fiber alignment at critical connection areas, resulting in timber being loaded in unfavorable directions. This project approaches a more intricate anisotropy control by weaving flax fiber reinforcement into 3D printed joints to reconnect discrete timber elements. By taking advantage of the high geometric freedom brought by 3d printing technology, an intricately designed fiber syntax at strut intersections could be realized. The well-distributed fiber-timber interface could likewise reduce stress concentration, enabling smaller timber cross-sections, resulting in overall lower material usage. By combining timber and fiber-reinforced 3D printing with a digital integrated design-fabrication method, a higher resolution of controlled anisotropy could be achieved in complex timber structures. This approach allows for increased structural efficiency, expanded design possibilities, and a material-driven architectural expression.
ITECH M.Sc. Thesis Project 2021: Controlled Anisotropy: A Design-Fabrication Method for Complex Timber Structures
Tzu-Ying Chen, Lior Skoury, Simon Treml
Thesis Advisers: Hans-Jakob Wagner, Jorge A. Christie Remy-Maillet
Thesis Supervisor: Prof. Achim Menges and Second Supervisor: Prof. Jan Knippers