AAG 2020 | Biomimetic Generative Morphologies for 3D-Printing

In Proceedings of the Advances in Architectural Geometry (AAG) 2020. Paris, France.

Abstract

The recent development of computational form-finding and additive manufacturing (AM) has broadened the opportunity for extensive exploration into the design of highly-efficient structural systems. The research presented in this paper investigates the potential to which topology optimization and AM can be used to extend the boundaries of the design of high-performance construction systems. The main objective of this research is developing computational design to digital fabrication workflow for the construction of a robotically controlled 3d-printed building assemblies. The topology optimized structure was developed using novel topology optimization workflow. This process builds up material only in areas of high stress based on biomimetic principles found in nature, maximizing structural performance while minimizing weight. The inherent qualities of AM, such as its ability to create complex geometries with high levels of accuracy and construction automation, make it an ideally suited method to produce these prototypes. This paper includes the development of generative design methodologies for AM workflows. By implementing these robotically controlled AM processes at multiple scales, this work can have wide-reaching applications on the construction industry. This paper presents the overall research methodology with an emphasis on computational design, structural analysis, evaluation, and the fabrication of scale models prototypes.

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