Design-static analysis and environmental assessment investigation based on a kinetic formwork-driven by digital fabrication principles

Abstract

This research focuses on design-static analysis and environmental assessment procedures that are based on the idea of a flexible kinetic formwork used as the automated mechanism for the production of bricks for porous wall structures. A key aspect of this investigation is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis study that is applied in order to achieve, in parallel with the automated procedure, the sustainable potential of the products. For this purpose, the design and construction flexibility of the product is taken into account from the early design decision making stage by examining different sizes of bricks under fabrication including massive or porous ones in order to test their design and static performance, aiming to adapt their shape in multiple functional and environmental scenarios. In parallel, the LCA impact of the given design scenarios are taken into consideration, again from the early design phase, and include, among other objectives, material minimization, less environmental impact of building materials and less energy consumption based on the proposed digital fabrication technology. This is examined by comparing digital design and robotic automated results using three types of ecological materials.