Geometrical Description and Structural Analysis of a Modular Timber Structure

Abstract

SummaryThe ambitious goal of the ongoing research at IBOIS, the Laboratory of timber constructions at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) is to develop a next generation of timber constructions made out of innovative timber-derived products, through applying textile principles on the building scale. The presented structure is a modular composition of timber folded panels, notably demonstrates an example of applying the geometric techniques used to produce modular patterns and lattices to timber construction context. Effectively, it is shown that complex space structures can be designed using simple connection technology between elements. Moreover, by taking advantage of advanced CAM process, complex planar timber elements are cut in large scale and assembled with high precision as for the prototype of the structure presented in this paper. The folding concept corresponds to a planar reciprocal frame structure. The basic module is consisted of two mutually supporting timber folded panels which are slipped in, consecutively, along their cuts, to build up an arch. The inter-module connection's stability is provided by contact boundary condition over the slide joints. The fundamental mechanical properties of the structure are examined using Finite Element Method and considering the non-linear contact boundary condition. The static behavior is studied under the self-weight load case as well as the modal dynamic response. According to analysis results, and by aid of a CAD parametric model, structural and geometrical alternatives are proposed to improve the structural performance. A prototype based on this geometric principal has been fabricated and assembled to explore feasibility of the concept in the building scale.

Interlocking birch plywood structures

“…5 The use of U-shaped incisions in timber panels to form folded and interlocking structures has also been examined in research and research-based teaching at EPFL. 6,7 Some IPS configurations, like the one discussed in this paper, are similar to Reciprocal Frame structures, 8 to which some scholars also refer to as Nexorades, 9 or Topologically Interlocking Assemblies. 10 .…”

“…5 The use of U-shaped incisions in timber panels to form folded and interlocking structures has also been examined in research and research-based teaching at EPFL. 6,7…”

Conception and parametric design workflow for a timber large-spanned reversible grid shell to shelter the archaeological site of the roman shipwrecks in pisa

“…Nowadays, timber nexorade has again become a topic for academic research and experimental structures, such as the Forest Park temporary pavilion by Shigeru Ban and ARUP AGU, the Serpentine Pavilion by Balmond and Siza, and the research pavilion by Nabaei and Weinand [3]. These projects, using different element sections, joints and patterns, highlighted a renewed interest in the geometry and structural behavior of a building system that should still be further investigated.…”

Study on energy conservation and carbon emission reduction design of timber structure building

“…Timber structure design has been studied mostly in three aspects: structural system design, fire‐fighting system design, and architectural system design. In the structural system design, some studies have been made on the stress [11–14] and seismic performance of timber structures [15, 16]. Some use timber to design new building structures to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as a combination of glued laminated timber with steel stud and a combination of laminated veneer lumber with steel stud [17], timber–glass composite wall panels [18], and cross‐laminated timber structures [19].…”