Force flow-optimized Joints in Structural Engineering Parametric Tools and Concepts for generating force flow-optimized Joints

摘要

The manufacturing of geometric complex joints can be done by means of CAD-systems linked to CAM for production. Hereby, different methods for direct geometry generation are used and discussed in this paper. The most elaborate method is the fabrication of a connection prototype to mold the specific joint, followed by casting in high-performance grout material (polymer concrete, UHPC, etc.). Other methods to obtain the complex geometry are based on laser cutting technology of planar surfaces to generate the shape of the specific joints. Here, parametric design tools generate the joint surface followed by cutting and folding to produce a formwork for the joint geometry. A third method describes the production of a hollow body by 3-D printing which is used also as formwork. After hardening of the finalized joint, enclosed structural members can be mounted and connected depending on the loading situation. The structural design of the joints can be done by commercially available packages (FE-software, e.g. ANSYS and ABAQUS) involving the material characteristics of the grouting material. The Universities of Applied Science in Trier and Mainz are jointly developing methods for form generation, numerical modeling and fabrication, which are presented in this paper.