Andreas Trummer

Precast Concrete Shells: A structural challenge

This project seeks to enhance press-fit fabrication techniques through the use of hybrid material construction technology and bending-stabilised forms. It overcomes certain press-fit limitations and undertakes a systematic improvement to connection design, which in combination with material and form enhancements allows for an increase in spanning capacities and robustness of press-fit structures, an increase in the reliability and precision of assembled geometry and retention of the critical press-fit benefits of lightweight, high-speed and uncomplicated construction.

From Analysis to Production and Back Attempts and Results of Reusable Adaptive Freeform Production Strategies for Double Curved Concrete Construction Elements

The submitted paper presents the results of a 3-year research project in the field of adaptive forming technologies for freeform structures made of UHPC (Ultra-High Performance Concrete). The focus of the research is found in the analysis and comparison of the developed robotic-driven formwork. During the research it was observed that the typical concept of process creation of a direct feedforward material formation can be combined or even replaced by feedback-based production processes. The different time points of material analysis not only allow for greater control but also enable completely new production methods.

Mill to Fit

Digital handcraft sets new standards for traditional building techniques. Linking the topics as geometry, the work piece, tooling and joining, entirely new meanings are produced. Stonecutting in particular has a long tradition of using machines and industrial robots. The “Roboterdesignlabor” established at TU Graz offers a process chain from CAD data, cam data for 3- and 5 axis tooling translated to the machine controller language for milling processes with an ABB IRB 6660. The hardware allows milling of hard materials like stone or concrete. During the workshop the focus is directed towards pushing through digital information, illustrating interfaces and carrying out work pieces. An arch made of foam-glass as a placeholder for brick, composed of several work pieces, acts as a case study. Thereby the focus is placed on the gap between the artificial bricks. Mechanical principles and restrictions of tooling influence the modification of the gap. The aim is to visualize the flow of forces and make the gap as transparent as possible.