Design of robotically fabricated timber frame structures

Arash Adel, Andreas Thoma, Matthias Helmreich, Fabio Gramazio, Matthias Kohler

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents methods for designing nonstandard timber frame structures, which are enabled by cooperative multi-robotic fabrication at building scale. In comparison to the current use of automated systems in the timber industry for the fabrication of plate-like timber frame components, this research relies on the ability of robotic arms to spatially assemble timber beams into bespoke timber frame modules. This paper investigates the following topics: 1) a suitable constructive system facilitating a just-in-time robotic fabrication process; 2) a set of assembly techniques enabling cooperative multi-robotic spatial assembly of bespoke timber frame modules that rely on a human–machine collaborative scenario; 3) a computational design process that integrates architectural requirements, fabrication constraints, and assembly logic; and 4) implementation of the research in the design and construction of a multi-story building, which validates the developed methods and highlights the architectural implications of this approach.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationRecalibration on Imprecision and Infidelity - Proceedings of the 38th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture, ACADIA 2018
EditorsMarcella Del Signore, Andrew John Wit, Phillip Anzalone, Phillip Anzalone
PublisherACADIA
Pages394-403
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780692177297
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event38th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture: Recalibration on Imprecision and Infidelity, ACADIA 2018 - Mexico City, Mexico
Duration: Oct 18 2018Oct 20 2018

Publication series

NameRecalibration on Imprecision and Infidelity - Proceedings of the 38th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture, ACADIA 2018

Conference

Conference38th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture: Recalibration on Imprecision and Infidelity, ACADIA 2018
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityMexico City
Period10/18/1810/20/18

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Hardware and Architecture

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