Cristian Calvo Barentin

Verified

Cristian verified their affiliation via an institutional email.

Learn more

Verified

Cristian verified their affiliation via an institutional email.

Learn more

• PhD
• Professor (Assistant) at Pontifical Catholic University of Chile

This paper describes the development of an unreinforced, freeform vault consisting of 399 discrete limestone blocks with thicknesses ranging from 5 to 12 cm. The vault covers an area of 75 m2 and spans more than 15 m in pure compression, without mortar between the blocks. We discuss how the design of the vault and its individual pieces was entirely...

Scale-model testing can be used to understand the equilibrium and validate the computational modelling of discrete-element assemblies subjected to external loads or support displacements. This paper proposes a novel approach to investigate the collapse of discrete-element assemblies using 3D-printed scale models manipulated with force-sensitive rob...

The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs estimates that by 2050 the world’s population will have increased by over 2.1bn people. Providing housing and infrastructure for these people would essentially require building an amount equivalent to what currently exists. It is simply not possible to build in the future the way we do today if we wa...

Initial studies on the embodied carbon emissions of arched floors show in an incipient way the potential of their use to substantially reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from building structures. The funicular shape of arched floors allows for reducing the structural material quantity and the possibility to use materials with a low embodied carb...

Optimizing the shape of concrete construction elements is significant in reducing their material consumption and total weight while improving their functional performance. However, the resulting non-standard geometries are difficult and wasteful to fabricate with conventional formwork strategies. This paper presents the novel fabrication method of...

This project investigates the potential of mycelium, a biological material, as a construction material for building envelopes, using an innovative additive robotic fabrication strategy inspired by the Clay Rotunda project. The methodology involved developing mycelium-inoculated building blocks and assembling them into prototypes via a robotic arm....

This paper presents a case study on the development of a pedestrian pathway in Huasco, Chile, with the aim of reconciling construction practices with environmental conservation. The study is situated in a context that demands mitigation measures for a mine tailings deposit site. A novel, eco-conscious construction methodology is introduced. Prefabr...

The inevitable expansion of the built environment due to the rapid growth of the urban population in emerging contexts poses a great challenge for the sustainable development of local communities. This problem could be faced by providing adequate multistorey building solutions while using sustainable and eco-friendly materials, preferably from rene...

The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs estimates that by 2050 the world’s population will have increased by over 2.1 billion people. Providing housing and infrastructure for them would essentially require building an amount equivalent to what currently exists. It is simply not possible to build in the future the way we do toda...

This paper describes how 3D-printed formwork can be used to facilitate the integration of functional features in structurally optimised concrete slabs. The weight of concrete slabs represents the largest portion of the weight of a concrete framed, multi-storey building. Despite this significant share, slabs are usually designed as monolithic, overs...

The invention relates to an automatic formwork system and method using flexible moulds, which comprises: an elastic membrane that is supported by a plurality of supporting modules, arranged next to one another along a horizontal longitudinal axis or X axis of a flexible mould or part to be moulded; where each supporting module is made up of a first...

The use of scale model testing for analysing the behaviour of masonry structures is justified by Heyman’s assumptions that establish the main cause of masonry collapse is geometry and not the strength of material. Recently, several works have proved the capability of scale-model tests of simulating complex three dimensional mechanisms of vaulted st...

Over the years, historic unreinforced masonry vaults have been proved to be particularly vulnerable to dynamic actions and large displacements. This paper focuses on the investigation of the structural behaviour of a pavilion vault on spreading supports by means of experimental tests on a 3D–printed scale model made of discrete blocks. Both the col...

This paper reports on the computer-controlled fabrication process of the individual stone blocks of the Armadillo Vault, an expressive funicular masonry vault constructed and exhibited at the 15th International Architecture Exhibition-la Biennale di Venezia. It focuses on the strategies followed to translate the digital model of the compression-onl...

Automation and robotics are increasingly penetrating all types of industries in developed countries including architecture, i.e., products and services related to architectural practice. Therefore, more than ever, architects, designers and artists are interested in developing computational thinking skills to be able to integrate more functionality...

Tomorrow’s architects will need to deal more confidently and skillfully with scientific and technological innovations in their field, e.g., parametric design, building physics, construction robotics, home automation, etc. Architecture students today must understand how things work and absorb some of the basic principles and techniques involved in t...

Industrial robots controlled by parametric design software and visual programming environments are gaining popularity in the research and use of non-conventional construction processes in architecture. Process automation which can be personalized through variable components promises to become an industry standard with similar cost structures to cur...

Se presentan aspectos clave del diseño e implementación piloto de la asignatura llamada Métodos Computacionales en Arquitectura (sigla: ARQ232) que forma parte del Nuevo Plan de Estudios obligatorio de la carrera de Arquitectura en la UTFSM y que tiene por objetivo principal desarrollar el pensamiento estructurado para resolver problemas de aplicac...