Robotic reticulations A method for the integration of multi-axis fabrication processes with algorithmic form-finding techniques

Mcgee, W; Pigram, D; Kaczynski, MP

Robotic reticulations A method for the integration of multi-axis fabrication processes with algorithmic form-finding techniques

Mcgee, W Pigram, D Kaczynski, MP

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Publication Type:: Conference Proceeding
Citation:: Beyond Codes and Pixels - Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia, CAADRIA 2012, 2012, pp. 295 - 304
Issue Date:: 2012-12-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Mcgee, W	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Pigram, D	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Kaczynski, MP	en_US
dc.date.issued	2012-12-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Beyond Codes and Pixels - Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia, CAADRIA 2012, 2012, pp. 295 - 304	en_US
dc.identifier.isbn	9789881902634	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/23246
dc.description.abstract	This paper addresses the design and fabrication of non-uniform structural shell systems. Structural shells, particularly gridshells, have a long history but due to their complexity and the accompanying high cost of construction, their application has been limited. The research proposes a method for integrating the design and fabrication processes such that complex double curved reticulated frames can be constructed efficiently, from prefabricated components, requiring significantly less formwork than is typical. A significant aspect of the method has been the development of software tools that allow for both algorithmic formfinding and the direct control of robotic fabrication equipment from within the same modelling package. A recent case-study is examined where the methodology has been applied to construct a reticulated shell structure in the form of a partial vault. Components were prefabricated using 6-axis robotic fabrication equipment. Individual parts are designed such that the assembly of components guides the form of the vault, requiring no centring to create the desired shape. Algorithmically generated machine instructions controlled a sequence of three tool changes for each part, using a single modular fixture, greatly increasing accuracy. The complete integration of computational design techniques and fabrication methodologies now enables the economical deployment of non-uniform structurally optimised reticulated frames. © 2012, Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA), Hong Kong.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Beyond Codes and Pixels - Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia, CAADRIA 2012	en_US
dc.title	Robotic reticulations A method for the integration of multi-axis fabrication processes with algorithmic form-finding techniques	en_US
dc.type	Conference Proceeding
utslib.for	1201 Architecture	en_US
dc.location.activity	Chennai, India	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building/School of Architecture
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CCDP - Contemporary Design Practice
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US

Abstract:

This paper addresses the design and fabrication of non-uniform structural shell systems. Structural shells, particularly gridshells, have a long history but due to their complexity and the accompanying high cost of construction, their application has been limited. The research proposes a method for integrating the design and fabrication processes such that complex double curved reticulated frames can be constructed efficiently, from prefabricated components, requiring significantly less formwork than is typical. A significant aspect of the method has been the development of software tools that allow for both algorithmic formfinding and the direct control of robotic fabrication equipment from within the same modelling package. A recent case-study is examined where the methodology has been applied to construct a reticulated shell structure in the form of a partial vault. Components were prefabricated using 6-axis robotic fabrication equipment. Individual parts are designed such that the assembly of components guides the form of the vault, requiring no centring to create the desired shape. Algorithmically generated machine instructions controlled a sequence of three tool changes for each part, using a single modular fixture, greatly increasing accuracy. The complete integration of computational design techniques and fabrication methodologies now enables the economical deployment of non-uniform structurally optimised reticulated frames. © 2012, Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA), Hong Kong.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/23246