PreprintPDF Available

Earthy Honeycombs: Construction Design of Adobe Shell Structures by Topological Polyhedralization

Authors:
Karim Daw
Karim Daw
Shervin Azadi at Eindhoven University of Technology
Shervin Azadi
Pirouz Nourian at University of Twente
Pirouz Nourian
Hans Hoogenboom at Delft University of Technology
Hans Hoogenboom
Preprints and early-stage research may not have been peer reviewed yet.
Download file PDFDownload file PDF
Read file
Download citation

Abstract and Figures

Building optimal free-form compression-only adobe shells requires sophisticated molds, scaffolding, critical supervision and an expert labor force as pointed out in [1]; this is because the optimality of a compu-tationally designed shell depends on achieving the right geometric shape in construction. The objective of our research is to find ways to simplify the construction of compression-only adobe shell structures to be built as shelters. This paper presents a computational work-flow for approximating the shape of an adobe shell structure, with space filling polyhedral bricks[18], through a topological polyhedralization process. The work flow is devised to simplify the construction of an adobe structure with the prospect of participatory construction of adobe shelters. The process takes in a dynamically-relaxed optimized shape for an adobe thin shell structure as a manifold surface, approximates it with space-filling polyhedrons as a volumetric representation; forms a finite element mesh as the lattice dual to the polyhedrons; and analyzes the structures to validate their stability. We argue that the proposed approach simplifies the construction process for untrained labor forces and thus makes it possible to quickly build adobe shell structures as temporary shelters. A possible application of this method could be the participatory construction of adobe shelters for displaced communities with in-situ soil as an alternative to long-term stay in tents.
Figures - uploaded by Pirouz Nourian
Author content
All figure content in this area was uploaded by Pirouz Nourian
Content may be subject to copyright.
478_EarthyHonecom
bs.pdf
Content uploaded by Pirouz Nourian
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Pirouz Nourian on Aug 31, 2020
Content may be subject to copyright.
IASS_2018_EarthyShelte
rs.pdf
Content uploaded by Pirouz Nourian
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Pirouz Nourian on Jan 12, 2019
Content may be subject to copyright.
Earthy Honeycombs: Construction Design of Adobe
Shell Structures by Topological Polyhedralization
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom
478
kdaw@student.tudelft.nl
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 2
Introduction
•Construction of refugee Shelters.
•Given the current issue of a lack of suitable temporary shelter.
Photo credit: UNICEF Jordan and Harvard Humanitarian Initiative Photo credit: Photo World Bank
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 3
Introduction
•Main problem: Accessibility
•Advanced construction expertise
•Suitable infrastructure for construction
•High tech materials
•Our Proposal:
•Deeper investigation into brick geometry.
•Adobe: Circular & Local
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 4
Literature Review
•Research context:
•Design/Implementation of compression only masonry shell structures
•Current Body of Work
•Block Research Group - ETH
•P. Roca, J.L Gonzalez, A.R Mari, E. Onate - Studies of Gaudi’s Cripta de la Colonia
•Khalili, Ebrahim Nader - Earthquake resistant building structure employing sandbags
•R. Illampas, I. Ioannou and D. C. Charmpis - Funicular Shell Design Exploration
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 5
Methodology
•Space-Filling Polyhedrons
•Dynamic Relaxation
•Polyhedralization
•FEM
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 6
Plesiohedron
•Properties
•Geometry
•Lattice
•Capacities
•Embedding the structural necessities
Fig. 1 Truncated Octahedron
Fig. 2 Rhombic Dodecahedron
Fig 3. Rhombic Dodecahemioctahedron
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 7
Dynamic Relaxation
•Elastic Cloth
•topologically homeomorphic to the desired shell structure
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 8
Topological Polyhedralization
•Polyhedral Approximation
•Using Poincaré Duality theorem
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 9
Topological Polyhedralization
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 10
FEM
•Finite-Element-Model from adjacency graph of polyhedral bodies
•Each Vertex = Brick (Element)
•Each Edge = Mortar (Spring)
Fig. 4 Karamba for Rhino Visualization Structural Displacement of various Plesiohedron candidates
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 11
Results
•Variations of space-filling polyhedra result in various lattices
•Effect of this geometry-lattice relation on the structural properties
Fig. 5 Karamba for Rhino Visualization - Isolation of Tension Elements for Relative Comparison
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 12
Next Challenge
•Manufacturing Procedure
•Precision Control
•Brick Laying Instructions
•Scaffolding Strategy
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 13
Vision
•Providing instruction for self-implementation
•Facilitating participatory construction
Photo credit: UNHCR /
B.Bannon Photo credit: UNHCR /
B.Bannon
Karim Daw, Shervin Azadi, Pirouz Nourian, Hans Hoogenboom, TU Delft 14
Acknowledgements
•Samaneh Rezvani, Peter Eigenraam and Andrew Borgart
•TU Delft
•SideFX, McNeel

Supplementary resources (2)

Presentation
Data
August 2020
Karim Daw · Shervin Azadi · Pirouz Nourian · Hans Hoogenboom
478_EarthyHonecombs.pdf
Data
August 2020
Karim Daw · Shervin Azadi · Pirouz Nourian · Hans Hoogenboom
... In this paper, a topological design methodology is proposed that utilizes a space-filling interlocking grid as the basis for designing the voussoir geometry of a stock of stackable components. The methodology comprises a four-step process (discretization, form-finding, topological approximation [4][5], refinement), inspired by Selina Bitting's work on reconfigurable domes [6], is implemented in COMPAS [7] -an open-source framework that provides geometry processing independent of commercial CAD software and is coupled with structural verification processes based on both Finite Element Modelling (FEM) [8] and Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) [9] simulations. First, Section 2 elaborates on how several 3D tessellations consisting of modular interlocking base blocks are designed within a space-filling volumetric grid at a low level of detail, then necessary structural verification workflows are proposed as an auxiliary tool to test the feasibility of the designed grids to choose the most promising one as a basis for the algorithm design. ...
... 8 reference, cf. [4,19]) with the generated modular blocks by intersection. The goal of this phase is to approximate the geometry of the shell with a combination of interlocking modular blocks so that the structure is self-supporting during the construction process. ...
Topological Stereotomic Design of Systems of Interlocking Stackable Modular Blocks for Constructing Multi-Storey Funicular Masonry Buildings
Conference Paper
Full-text available
  • Sep 2022
With the advent of Computer-Aided Design, the design and fabrication of complex free-form shells have become easier to achieve. However, this results in extensive usage of custom-made formworks for the production of shell components and falseworks which provide support for the shell during the construction process. Therefore, a modular design method is proposed for generating form-active spatial structures out of stackable blocks of a few types, having in mind its potential applications such as housing. Instead of shells, spatial masonry structures are thus the main consideration in the design process considering building on top of a vaulted ceiling. By designing a 3D interlocking grid and introducing a four-step topological design that is coupled with structural verification processes based on finite element modelling and discrete element modelling simulations, the geometry of interlocking stackable modular blocks can be automatically generated for constructing such spatial masonry structures. The proposed method ensures that the designed vaults are modular, reconfigurable, and self-supporting during construction, thus increasing the efficiency of mass production while allowing for combinatorial mass customization in designs.
View
Tile vaulted systems for low-cost construction in Africa
Article
  • Jan 2010
A f r ic a n Te c h n o lo g y D e ve lo p me n t Fo r u m A TDF J OU RN AL V ol um e 7, I s s ue 1 / 2 2 01 0 Abstract: This paper discusses the potential of tile-vaulted structural systems to provide sustainable and low-cost construction for Africa, based on experiences both in acade-mia and practice. The proposed tile vaulting building technique adopts an unreinforced masonry construction method with a 600 year tradition in the Mediterranean, where the bricks have traditionally been made from fired clay. [1] The technique is now combined with the local tradition in Africa of cement-stabilized, soil-pressed bricks, which use locally available soil. In this context, Social and economic concerns were jointly addressed with local leaders and inhabitants to ensure that the structure is relevant to the local culture and successfully implemented. The proposed vaulting technique has the potential to meet three primary objectives: to provide an environmentally-sound building solution using mainly local materials, to engender social cohesion and pride within the local communities by drawing upon traditional methods, and to stimulate economic growth by providing local jobs, while reducing dependence upon imported materials.
View
View
Karamba—A Toolkit for Parametric Structural Design
Article
  • May 2014
An increasing number of architectural design practices harness the power of parametric design tools. The aim of these tools is to facilitate and control complex building geometries. Parametric design programs such as Grasshopper (GH) for Rhino or Generative Components popularized this approach by providing easy-to-use visual programming environments that integrate with computer-aided design (CAD) packages. A logical next step consists in connecting parametric designs to applications that evaluate non-geometric aspects such as building physics or structural performance. This brings about new opportunities of collaboration between architects and engineers in the early stages of building design. The ease of testing alternatives by tweaking a set of parameters also opens the door for the application of generic optimization algorithms. Karamba is a finite element program geared towards interactive use in the parametric design environment GH. Being a GH plug-in, it seamlessly integrates with the diverse habitat of other third party programs available for GH. These range from building physics applications to genetic optimization engines. In the author's company, Karamba is used in early-stage design, form-finding, and structural optimization. “White Noise”, a mobile exhibition pavilion for the Salzburg Biennale, serves as a case study that shows how Karamba can be used to optimize the structural performance of intricate building geometries.
View
Kangaroo: Form Finding with Computational Physics
Article
  • Mar 2013
  • Architect Des
A trained architect, who works with the Specialist Modelling Group (SMG) at Foster + Partners, Daniel Piker is also the developer of the Kangaroo plug-in for Rhinoceros® and Grasshopper®. He explains how Kangaroo has been devised to simulate aspects of the behaviour of real-world materials and objects in order to modify designs in response to engineering analyses, engendering an intuitive sense of the material world.
View
Tilings with congruent tiles
Article
  • Jul 1980
Introduction. The purpose of this paper is to survey recent results related to the second part of Hubert's eighteenth problem (see Hilbert (1900)). This problem, which is concerned with tilings of Euclidean space by congruent polyhedra, will be stated below after the necessary terminology has been introduced. Although Hubert's original question was answered by one of his assistants (Karl Reinhardt) more than fifty years ago, there remain many unsolved problems in this area of mathematics; a description of recent results therefore seems to us to be of considerable interest. Three surveys of developments related to Hilbert's problems (Aleksandrov (1969), Browder (1976), Kaplansky (1977)) have been published in recent years, but they contain no mention of the remarkable advances made during the last decades in connection with the problem that concerns us. An even more cogent reason for publishing this survey is that much of the material results from the work of crystallograp hers, and no mention of it appears in the recognized mathematical literature. Reasons for this disregard are easy to find. Current fashions in mathematics applaud abstraction for its own sake, regarding it as the highest intellectual activity-whether or not it is, in any sense, useful or related to other endeavors. Mathematicians frequently regard it as demeaning to work on problems related to "elementary geometry" in Euclidean space of two or three dimensions. In fact, we believe that many are unable, both by inclination and training, to make meaningful contributions to this more "concrete" type of mathematics; yet it is precisely these and similar considerations that include the results and techniques needed by workers in other disciplines. Moreover, throughout the history of mathematics, funda­ mental ideas for other branches of mathematics have been motivated by "intuitive" geometric questions; irrational numbers, calculus, axiomatics and topology are only a few of the most obvious "inventions" that originated in this manner. It seems to us to be foolish and presumptuous to believe that ours is the first generation which needs no more the inspiration that can be found in studying simple geometric objects and their mutual relations. By showing that there are still many open and difficult (yet interesting and easily understood) problems, we hope to persuade some readers that this is an area of mathematics worthy of their attention.
View
Topological models for 3D spatial information systems
Article
  • Jan 1991
The need for complex modelling and analysis of 3-dimensional data within a spatial information system (SIS) has been established in many fields. While much of the data that is currently being modelled seems to require "soft-edge" data structures such as grids or rasters, the need for certain types of complex topological modelling and analysis is clear. Current plane topology models such as the winged edge, widely used in computer aided design (CAD), are limited in the types of analysis that can be performed but useful because of their basis in the field of algebraic topology. This paper firstly reviews the neighborhood structure provided by current plane topological models. It then describes the derivation of a fundamental set of binary topological relationships between simple spatial primitives of like topological dimension in 3-space. It is intended that these relationships provide both a measure of modelling sufficiency and analytical ability in a spatial information system based on three dimensional neighborhoods.
View
Automated construction by contour crafting - Related robotics and information technologies
Article
  • Jan 2004
  • AUTOMAT CONSTR
Although automation has advanced in manufacturing, the growth of automation in construction has been slow. Conventional methods of manufacturing automation do not lend themselves to construction of large structures with internal features. This may explain the slow rate of growth in construction automation. Contour crafting (CC) is a recent layered fabrication technology that has a great potential in automated construction of whole structures as well as subcomponents. Using this process, a single house or a colony of houses, each with possibly a different design, may be automatically constructed in a single run, imbedded in each house all the conduits for electrical, plumbing and air-conditioning. Our research also addresses the application of CC in building habitats on other planets. CC will most probably be one of the very few feasible approaches for building structures on other planets, such as Moon and Mars, which are being targeted for human colonization before the end of the new century.
View
A 3-D data model for representing topological relationships between spatial entities in built-environments /
Article
Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2001. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 160-173). Advisor: Mei-Po Kwan, Dept. of Geography.
View
Data management and modelling of complex interfaces in imperfect discrete-element assemblies
  • Sep 2016
  • U Frick
  • T Van Mele
  • P Block
Frick, U., Van Mele, T., & Block, P. (2016, September). Data management and modelling of complex interfaces in imperfect discrete-element assemblies. In Proceedings of the international association for shell and spatial structures (iass) symposium 2016. Tokyo, Japan.
Earthquake resistant building structure employing sandbags
  • Aug 1999
  • 27
  • E N Khalili
Khalili, E. N. (1999, August 10). Earthquake resistant building structure employing sandbags. Google Patents. (US Patent 5,934,027)