Resumen de Structural Implementation of Slender Concrete Shells with Prefabricated Elements
Philipp Eisenbach, Manfred Grohmann
Lightweight concrete structures and structurally optimized systems are the focus of several research efforts. This is due to esthetical reasons but also in order to use material in a resource conserving way. Advancements in digitizing planning and fabrication processes, but also ongoing enhancements in material science for cementitious composites enable designers to build complex geometries of slender concrete structures. However, it can be observed that built architecture does not reflect the present possibilities at hand. One reason is the implementation on site; with increasing material performance, the sensitivity of concrete production increases to assure sufficient accuracy, workability and post-treatment. In combination with demands for quick assembly and simple disassembly of structural components, a prefabrication of concrete elements is indispensable.
The possibility to reduce cross section dimensions on the one hand and the arising challenge how to realize load bearing connections on the other hand, is a contradiction investigated within this survey. The identification of mechanical principles of structural connections enables the development of design strategies for load bearing connections. Two selected case studies, illustrating adhesive and interlocking bonding of concrete elements are presented, verifying the feasibility on site. An adhesive bonding is presented for a concrete bench, designed as a Möbius strip. This innovative, thin concrete shell structure is built on the campus of the University of Kassel. Due to prefabrication in a concrete laboratory the partition of the object was necessary. An interlocking bonding is applied for the construction of a concrete mobile, designed for an exhibition in Amsterdam. With the focus on a quick and easy assembly and non-destructive disassembly, a micro-prestressing connection method is developed.
